Larry Dean Chidester Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Larry Dean “Chet” Chidester, age 71, of Albia, passed away on May 25, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, surrounded by his loved ones. Larry was born on October 16, 1946, in Albia, IA, to Basil and LaVonne (DeWitt) Chidester. He grew up and attended school in Albia, graduating with the Class of 1964. In March of 1966, he married Sharon Gay at the EUB Church in Albia and to this union, 2 children were born, Stacy and Lori. Larry and Sharon later divorced and on June 16, 1979, he married Twila Jones at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia. To this union, a son, Larry was born. Larry was a long-time farmer, raising cattle, crops, and hay, while also maintaining several other jobs over the years. Larry worked for Brooks and then Maloney Door Factory before serving his country in the United States Army. Upon returning from the service, Larry worked at several places, including Chamberlains in Albia, Oskaloosa Foods where he worked on the egg farm, AYM in Albia, and Hawkeye Molding before retiring from Iowa Aluminum. Larry was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and the American Legion Howard Cessna Post #136, both in Albia. He enjoyed being outdoors, doing things such as hunting, trapshooting, and helping his son, Larry, farm. He enjoyed collecting guns, watching television, and taking trips to Kansas. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Larry is survived by his wife, Twila; his children, Stacy (Heidi) Chidester, Lori (Mark) Watson, and Larry (Shea) Chidester; and several grandchildren. Larry is also survived by several cousins and good friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Basil and LaVonne; a granddaughter, Laura Chidester; his grandparents, W.G. and Sarah Chidester and William and Inez DeWitt; and a cousin, Jerry Johnson. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at the Tharp Funeral Home with Larry’s family present from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 31, 2018, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Pastor Richard Grimes officiating. Burial with military rites provided by the American Legion of Albia, Melrose, and Lovilia, will follow services at East Bethel Cemetery in Monroe County, Iowa. A memorial has been established to the Welcome Home Soldier Memorial.

Larry Dean Chidester

October 16, 1946 - May 25, 2018