Chester Irl Greathouse

Chester was born on July 13, 1923 in West Salem to Lida Ethel (Deisher) Greathouse and Irl Greathouse.

He graduated from West Salem High School. Chester was a veteran who served in the Navy.

He married Viola May Gibson on March 23, 1946 in Henderson, KY and she preceded him in death on May 31, 2013. This year, they will be celebrating their 69th Anniversary together in Heaven.

Chester was a member of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church, a 4-H Leader, a Lifetime Honorary Member of the FFA and a farmer. His life’s true calling however, was that of a husband and father, and he excelled at both.

He was preceded in death his parents, wife, one daughter Diane May Stewart, one grandson Baby James, two sisters: Evelyn Murvin and Rita Aldridge and one brother, Russell Greathouse.

Chester leaves to cherish a lifetime of wonderful memories,11 living children, in order of their birth, and their spouses: Jim (Bonnie) Greathouse of West Salem, IL, Larry (Kathy) Greathouse of Albion, IL, Patricia (Allen) Yonaka of Parkersburg, IL, Wanda (John) Fishel of West Salem, IL, Steve (Rosie) Greathouse of Albion, IL, Debra (Jerry) Mason of West Salem, IL, William Joseph (Nancy) Greathouse of West Salem, IL, David Greathouse of Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania, Donnie (Sherry) Greathouse of West Salem, IL, Jane (Paul) Casaleggi of Mt. Carmel, IL and Richard (Jennifer) Greathouse of Oblong, IL. He leaves many memories for 39 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren with one on the way, and 2 great-great grandchildren with one on the way. His sister Audrey Franz of Puyallup, Washington and his brother Robert Greathouse of Rochelle, Ilinois will also remember him fondly.

A Celebration of a Life Well-Lived Service will be held at 10AM on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at the Zion United Methodist Church in West Salem, IL with Pastor Cathy Seaton, officiating. Burial will follow at the Ebenezer Cemetery, Samsville, IL. with military rites.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 23, 2015 from 5 to 7 PM at the Zion United Methodist Church in West Salem.

The family has requested that memorials take the form of donations to the Ebenezer Cemetery for maintenance.

Ingram Funeral Home of West Salem is entrusted with the arrangements.