William Franklin Chester's Obituary
85, our precious husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, April 12, 2008 at his home in Plano, TX surrounded by family after a lengthy illness. Born Dec. 27, 1922 in Coppell, TX to Lewis and Bessie Keener Chester, Bill’s parents struggled to make a living as share-croppers. He survived the trauma of the great depression, recalling having no shoes and frequently being hungry. In 1942, he met and married his beloved Lorene. Shortly thereafter, he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the USS Columbia in the Pacific during World War II. He felt honored to serve his country. After his service, Bill and Lorene made their home in the Dallas area. In 1949, he founded United Plumbing Company, which later became United Mechanical. The company has been in continuous operation for nearly 60 years and enjoys an excellent reputation. He was wholeheartedly devoted to providing his siblings, children, and grandchildren the education and opportunities that were inaccessible for him. Through the application of biblical principles in his business, Bill led his family out of the poverty that he was born into. Bill was respected leader and teacher in his family, community, and church. He was active in national and state construction trade associations, a 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite in Richardson, and a member of the Hella Shrine Temple. He had a passion for golf, especially watching his sons and grandson play. Bill loved the Lord and believed strongly in giving back that which the Lord had blessed him with. Even as his quality of life deteriorated, he dearly enjoyed volunteering to serve children at the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas. Bill’s legacy is his devoted work ethic, his passion for learning and laughing, and most significantly, the rich spiritual heritage of his faith, love, and giving of self. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, yet we are assured and thankful to know that today, he is ‘walking tall’ again, among the giants in heaven. The family wishes to thank all of the physicians, nurses and caregivers who gently cared for our precious husband and father. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Doris Ritchey, Beatrice Wyche, Edna Morrison, and Bob Chester. Bill is survived by his wife, Lorene Fielding; children, Gerald Chester and wife, Carol, Donald Chester and wife, Diane, Marilyn Farrell and husband, Mike, Debbie Summers and husband, Scott; grandchildren, Lisa Bibawi and husband, Samer, Anne Hurley and husband, Kevin, April and Alicia Chester, Jacob Slaton, Elizabeth and Grant Farrell and wife, Jennifer, Katie and Kyle Summers; great-grandson, Gabriel Bibawi; siblings, Wayne M. Chester, Lorraine Duran and Yvonne Waters and husband, Larry; and numerous other family members. Visitation on Monday, April 14, 2008 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home. Service will be on Tuesday, April 15 at 4:00 p.m. at White Rock United Methodist Church, 1450 Old Gate Ln, Dallas, TX 75218. In lieu of flowers: Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn St, Dallas, TX 75219; White Rock United Methodist Church; or a charity of your choice.
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