Chester Leon White

Chester Leon White, 86, of Carthage, passed away at Maple Grove Red in Carthage at 1:08 AM Friday morning, March 22, 2024.

Chet was born near Bentley, Illinois on August 28, 1937, to Baird and Helen (Hardy) White. He graduated Carthage High School where he was active in FFA showing dairy cattle and track. He was district champion winning the 1 mile event in 4:58. After high school, he served in the US Army, attending basic training at Ft Benning, GA and completing engineer school at FT. Leonardwood, Mo. He reached the rank of SPC5 and served with US Army engineer as heavy equipment operator in the reconstruction of France. On March 25, 1961, he was united in marriage to Myrtle Irene Prior at the Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church in Bentley IL.  He farmed and worked in a grocery store in Kahoka, Missouri for several years before moving to rural Carthage IL. There he farmed and raised livestock, along with working for Bills Super value and IGA in Carthage and Cater Vend in Macomb. After farming, the family moved to Macomb, IL where he continued to work for Cater Vend and the McDonough Health department. After raising the family they returned to Carthage where he worked for the Hancock Health department until retirement.

He was a long time member of the Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church, where he helped maintain the grounds for many years. He enjoyed hunting, raising and training hunting dogs. He was a AKC and UKC champion and winner of many awards. He enjoyed collecting amber fruit jars and supporting the kids in their running and sporting events. He was also awarded the oldest person to compete in the local Strawberry strut. He also enjoyed taking trips, visiting family, walking dogs and spending time with his wife of over 60 years.

Chet is survived by his wife Myrtle, of Carthage: children, Bill (Sharon) White of Macomb IL, John (Susan) White of Wichita, KS, Tom (Jenny) White Carthage IL, Doug (Gloria) Hoener of Quincy IL, Chester Jason (John) White Tucson AZ, grandchildren; Jamie (Sara), Mallory, Dexter, Cassidy, Jacob, Lauren, Kevin and Tucker (Jocelyn) White, Allyson (Joshua) Hetzler , Bryce (Olivia) Hoener, Kayla (Owen) Shelton; great grandchild; Holden White; and a sister, Del White of Ft. Madison, Iowa.

He is preceded in death by a son, Darrell; a daughter, Gloria Hoener; his brothers, Robert, Bill, Glen, and George White; and sisters, Betty Webb, Peggy Duncan, and Mary Harris.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, March 25, 2024, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with family meeting friends from 9:00 AM until time of services at 11:00 at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage with military rites.  In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to: Memorial Hospital Foundation (directed to Red Maple).  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

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