Chester Calvin Reniff III

Chester Calvin Reniff III, age 90, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, in Inglewood, California. Born on February 18, 1936, in Kent, Ohio, Chester lived a life filled with creativity, rhythm, and an enduring love for his family.

Chester proudly joined the United States Army in 1954. During his deployment, he served in an armored tank unit as a Tank Commander. He was recognized for his sharp discipline and skill, earning an Expert Pistol Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. Chester was honorably discharged in 1957.

A man of diverse talents and passions, Chester brought joy to many as a gifted drummer. When he wasn’t creating rhythm, he was working with his hands, crafting beautiful pieces through woodworking, or sharing his unique sense of humor and artistry through his custom cartooning.

Above all, Chester was a devoted family man. He shared a beautiful legacy of 64 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Bonnie Jeanne Reniff. He is survived by Bonnie; His half-brother Pearl (Lee) Phillips; his daughter and son-in-law, Jenifer and Fred Davisson; his grandson and wife, Gino and Virginia Ruffolo; his grandson in-law Heiko Ruffolo-Schweitzer; and his twin great-grandsons, Vincent and Ryan Ruffolo.

Chester was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle, and stepfather, Roy Phillips; his brother, Jon Reniff; his stepbrothers, Roy Phillips Jr, Bob Phillips; and his granddaughter, Amanda Ruffolo-Schweitzer.

His memory will live on forever in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him.

******

We can’t know why the lily

Has so brief a time to bloom

In the warmth of Sunlight’s

Kiss upon its face.

Before it folds its fragrance in

And bids the world good night

To rest its beauty

In a gentler place.

But we can know that nothing

That is loved is ever lost.

And no one who has ever

Touched a heart

Can really pass away,

Because some beauty lingers on

In each memory of which

They’ve been part!

Ellen Breneman