Chester "Jack" M. Soliday

Chester M. Soliday passed away on Friday, November 10, 2017 in OhioHealth Shelby Hospital after a brief illness. "God's handyman has been called home."

Chester was born January 31, 1921 on the family farm outside of Bellville to Arista M. and Leona (Fry) Soliday. He was one of ten children. He graduated from Bellville High School. With the outbreak of World War II, Chester proudly enlisted in the United States Navy as a Fighting Seabee. He served his wartime in the South Pacific. After an honorable discharge, Chester returned to Mansfield and began working at Mansfield Tire. It was there that a beautiful brunette named Jeanne Stafford caught his eye. They were married on September 7, 1947 and began a wonderful journey through life for 63 years until her death in 2011. They are reunited in Heaven to continue their spiritual life. After retirement, they became snowbirds, living in Mesa, Arizona for 6 months a year to be closer to their daughter. Chester loved bowling, golfing, playing euchre and traveling, but most of all, he loved his family.

Chester retired from Mansfield Tire and was a 60 year member of the Ashland Masonic Lodge #151 F&AM. He was also a member of the Baku Grotto, Pleasant Hill Boat Club and was a Kentucky Colonel.

Chester is survived by his children, Jill (Tony) Rasmussen of Chandler, Arizona and Jack (Cindy) Soliday of Mansfield with whom he made his home. He is also survived by grandchildren, Tyler Rasmussen, Julia Rasmussen, Jacob (Carrie) Soliday, Jeffrey (Sarah) Soliday and Matthew (Katie) Soliday; great grandchildren, Marlee Soliday, Brady Soliday, Jerrett Soliday, Luke Soliday, Jillian Soliday and Jack Soliday. Also surviving are sisters, Mabel Hoover, Barbara Cunning and Lois Reiner; brother, Arthur (Tina) Soliday; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne Soliday in 2011; his parents; sisters, Martha Scott, Ruth Strater, Evelyn Long and Ethel Hazen; and a brother, Earl Soliday.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 South Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Friends may call one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., at the funeral home on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored for a contribution in Chester's name to the Friendly House or Altrusa of Mansfield.