Maj. Chester "Pappy" Arthur Schroer USAF, Ret.

Maj. Chester “Pappy” Arthur Schroer USAF, Ret., residing in Greeneville, TN, went home to be with his Savior Friday, February 24, 2017. Pappy’s military career spanned three wars and included service in the United States Navy for three years aboard USS Enterprise CV-6 as an aviation Boatswain’s Mate (arresting gear), and twenty-three years in the Air Force where he got his commission as an officer and went on to retire as a major. He flew various types of aircraft and flew missions to both Korea and Vietnam. His service to his country did not end there; he went on to work for the Department of Defense for another twenty years as a mechanical engineer. Even after all this unselfish service surrendered to his country, he continued to serve his country through his assistance with individual tax returns. This pillar of a man who was always available to lend a hand to anyone in need will truly be missed.

Maj. Schroer was awarded the following medals: Air Medal, SOG-569, 7AF, Apr67; 1st to 5th Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster to Air Medal, SOG-1325, 7AF, 1967; 6th to 10th Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters to Air Medal, SOG-366, 7AF, 69; Distinguished Flying Cross, SOG-92, 7AF, 1969; United Nations Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star; the Korean Service Medal; Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation; Air Force Reserve Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon w/4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, GO-56, DAF, Oct59; and the Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Schroer was a lifetime member of VFW and American Legion, Moose Lodge, and was a lifetime

Legionnaire.

Survivors include his wife: Elizabeth Joan Schroer; sons and daughters-in-law: Jon Carrow and Don Murphy of Florida, Jim and Leng Newton of Greeneville, Don and Beulah Newton and John and Debbie Newton of Georgia; a daughter and son-in-law: Terri and Barney Dunn of Greeneville; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; twin sister: Betty Tolberson of Minnesota; sister-in-law: Joyce Panetiz; several nieces and nephews including special nephews and wives: Tom and Vernie Schroer and Larry and Pat Doering; in-laws: Violet, Winfred, Tommy, and Brenda; a host of special friends from around the world; and a special pet and best buddy: Smokey Joe.

He was the son of the late Fred and Gesina Vlaar Schroer and was preceded in death by two brothers: Bertram and LeRoy Schroer.

The family will receive friends 1-3 and 5-7 pm Tuesday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 7 pm Tuesday in the funeral home chapel. Rev. Nicholas Bailey and Rev. John Buchanan will officiate.

Interment will be 2 pm Wednesday in Andrew Johnson National Cemetery. The Greene County Honor Guard and the Tennessee National Guard will conduct a military graveside service.

Pallbearers will be Kip Bryce, Jon Carrow, Tom Schroer, Bruce Schroer, Jim Hulkonen, Barney Dunn, Don

Newton, Jim Newton, John Newton, and Johnathon Newton.

Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Moose and Legionnaires, Dr. Philip Thwing, Dr. Mandeep Bakshi, Dr. Mike Rogers, Paul Gray, Don Burns, J. B. Johnson, Wayne Kelton, Phillip Shipley and Cody Shipley.

The family wished to express a special thanks to the caregivers and Amedisys Hospice: AJ, Denise, Kathy, Angie, Mark, Laura, PJ, Melissa, Mary, Iesiah, and Pat.

His points of interest and hobbies included: Speed reading, wood working, fishing, reading the Bible, golf, poker, bridge, cross word puzzles, and special family time.