Chester Lee Smith, age 93, passed away peacefully from this life the morning of September 9, 2019 at 12.31 am after a gradual decline in health. He was cared for and supported by his loving wife Clementine, who has been in his life for over 71 years and remained by his side during the last days of his life.
Chester was born in Waco, Texas to Chester Lee and Evelyn (Sims) Smith on November 6, 1925. Chester attended high school in Oklahoma City, where he played trumpet in the school’s marching band. He moved to California in 1944 where he joined the R.O.T.C. and finished high school in San Francisco. He first worked as a Postman and then as a Ship Fitter at private and naval shipyards. He was also a skilled auto mechanic and welder.
Chester could accomplish just about anything he set his mind to do. He could swim, dance, ride a bicycle, and ride a motorcycle. He was a great storyteller and loved to share stories of his experiences working on the aircraft carriers USS Midway, Kitty Hawk, Coral Sea, and the submarine USS Grayback.
Chester enjoyed the circus, county fairs, air shows, drive-in movies, and especially road trips to visit with family and friends in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and cities through-out California.
Chester is survived by his wife, Clementine; son, Ronnie Smith and his wife Janie; daughter, Gloria (Smith) Fisher; son, Richard Smith; and 8 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great grandchildren; a host of cousins, nephews,nieces; and friends.
