Frank Blackford Chester

Frank Blackford Chester, 88, of Belton, MO, passed away January 14, 2012 at home surrounded by loving family. Visitation will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Masonic service at 7:30 p.m., followed by Memorial service Wednesday, January 18, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd. Entombment in White Chapel Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Gladstone, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Ararat Shrine Temple, or Haiti Home of Hope Orphanage, c/o Red Bridge Baptist Church. Frank was born September 15, 1923 in Jackson County, MO, son of Frank C. and Mary G. (Blackford) Chester. He was a U.S. Army veteran and retired from the 110th Combat Eng. Missouri National Guard after serving for 43 years. Frank had worked as a Maintenance Electrician for KC Structural Steel, and KC Railroad Terminal; an Engineer for Bendix Corp and US Corps of Engineers in KC. During his years with Corps of Engineers, he had supervisory responsibilities on several dams including Truman, Longview, Blue Springs, Stockton and Rathborn, IA. He had also worked as Construction Supervisor for the City of KCMO. He was a member of the Red Bridge Baptist Church and a firm believer in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was a member and Past Master of Heroin/Rockhill Lodge and Swope Park Masonic Lodge 617, member of Ararat Shrine, Scottish Rite, York Rite (Past High Priest of Royal Arch), VFW 8100, High Twelve and the Heroes of 76, Principle Sojourners. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Edith in 1989, brother Gerald D. Chester, sister and brother-in-law Iva and Carl Tigerstrom, and son-in-law Harry E. Kuba. Frank is survived by his wife Margaret (Corbin-Wynn) Chester; son Frank Chester II and wife Mary Beth of Lewisville, TX; daughter Sharon Kuba of Kansas City, MO; grandsons Curtis Charles Chester (Sheryl) and Stephen Paul Chester (Crystal); Margaret’s children Theresa Nichols (Alan), John Wynn (Susie), Mary Draisey, Ray Wynn (Jean), Judy Luellen (Lou) and Rita Nelson; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.