My Uncle Chester recently passed away. I didn't know him well. He lived in Indiana and we lived in Utah for all my life. I wish I could have known him more. I think we would have had a lot in common. I think the only time we met was at my grandma's (his mother's) funeral.My dad remembers Chester finding a shady place to sit under a willow tree on a warm summer afternoon. There he would curl up with a writing tablet, where he would write prose and poetry, including lyrics to songs.
He enlisted in the Army just before Pearl Harbor. He was about to be drafted, but decided he would have more control over his assignments if he enlisted. Eventually he worked his way into the army medical corps, and became an officer where he attained the rank of Major. His assignments included tending to the wounded from D-day, Battle of the Bulge, and other historic battles of World War II. He was injured while in England from the German Blitzkrieg, which resulted in visual impairment for the rest of his life.
After the war he would pursue his education, thanks to the GI bill, and eventually became a college professor. He taught at Florida State University, and later at Indiana State University, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He remained at Indiana State until his retirement.
He was buried in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, at St. Louis, Missouri -- with full military honors. It is my wish to honor him, and his service to our country. Even though I didn't know him well, I want to remember him well.
I have typed a copy of his personal history on my family history blog. You can read more about his life story here.
2 comments:
Funerals are different for members that are LDS, not that you don't grieve or miss those who pass away. The knowledge of the Great Plan puts the temporary loss in perspective and adds to the resolve to live a life worthy of an eternal family.
Thinking back to my father in law's funeral reminded me of the honor it was to have known the man, his integrity above all else defined him. Standing there as the military honored him with taps was very moving. Thanks for the reminder.
A very nice tribute to a man you did not know very well. Thanks so much for sharing.
You asked about the on-line extraction program. It is really nice for the most part. The biggest glitch I have is not always getting the image to download properly. I don't know if it is my computer, or if it is a problem with dial up. You have a week to do the batch you are given, with usually about 100 names. Lately I have only had a batch of 50 names, so it is easy enough to complete in that time period. I know the rambling Irishman is doing it too. I think it is easier than the old way of trying to wait for a batch to be dropped by to work on. It had been over a year since I had done any extraction. The director in my ward would never bring it by. The other change going on is extraction work is becoming a stake calling.
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