Chester Hattabaugh

Chester “Chet” Hattabaugh, born in Indiana, on May 26, 1929, son of Ivan Chester and Ellen Lucille (Piatt), passed away at home on July 31, 2021. Chet was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Mary Lou, his parents, and two sisters. Chet is survived by two daughters, Deborah Ruth Fee and Amber Lynn (Ross) Lamoreaux, the apple of his eye granddaughter, Abigail Rose McCarthy, five adult grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a great-great grandchild, and two brothers. Chet enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1948 as a surgical technician and, after basic and medical training in the United States, was sent to Japan for occupation duty with the 11th Airborne Division. Upon arrival to Japan, he completed his parachutist training and continued combat medic training. At the beginning of the Korean War, he was sent to Korea with the 11th Airborne Division, where he served as a combat medic in the 188th and 187th Parachute Infantry regiments. In Korea, Chet completed two combat parachute jumps with his unit. At the end of the war, he returned with his division to Camp Campbell, Kentucky, where he was discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1952. During his time in service, Chet received the Combat Medic Badge, Parachutist Badge with two combat stars, Occupation of Japan medal, the Korean Service medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation. On the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War, Chet was also presented with the Korean War Service Medal. After returning home, Chet worked for American Bridge Company and then for the U.S. Steel and Bethlehem Steel Corporations for over 35 years before fulfilling his lifelong dream of moving to Florida in 1992. Chester enjoyed his retired years, volunteering with the Springstead Eagle Marching Brigade while his daughter marched, providing rides to senior citizens as part of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program and to the visually impaired with Lighthouse for the Blind. He was an avid reader and spent many hours in his workshop, crafting beautiful, handmade furniture. He taught us to love family, God, and country and to always be there for those in need. He gave the best hugs and ended conversations with “Just remember… no matter what… I love you”.

Graveside service will be Friday, November 27th at 2PM located at Florida Hills Memorial Gardens in Spring Hill.