Obituary of Chester H. Smith

Chester H. Smith, 89, of 150 E. Hill Rd., Covington, passed away peacefully at home in Covington, PA, Thursday, Dec. 20. He was married for 67 years to Louise (Turner) Smith, who survives. Chester was born June 9, 1923 to the late Oscar and Frances (Soper) Smith. Surviving daughters are Linda (James) Crosby, Lynchburg, VA; Elaine (Thomas) Hazelton, Wellsboro, PA; Barbara Smith (Kathleen Carico), Covington; and Marilyn (Charles) Carlton, Verona, VA. The 16 grandchildren are Scott, Michelle, Shaun, Lindsay, Lauren, Allison (Crosby); Brian, Julie, Matthew, Mark, Amanda (Hazelton); and Nathan, Jared, Justin, Will, and Logan (Carlton). There are 22 great grandchildren. He was predeceased in death by his parents, brother Richard, daughter Connie Lee Smith, and his sister Marian (Leonard) Ames. Chet loved spending time with his family while hunting, raising and training horses, making hay for beef cattle, and visiting with friends. He was a skilled mechanic and sold cars for many years. He served in the Army Air Corps from 1943 until 1945. He was a fighter pilot, trained flight instructor, and 2nd Lieutenant. He worked for Corning Glass and Putnam Oil Company before becoming self-employed. Calling hours will be Thursday, Dec. 27 at noon at Bakerburg Community Church. Funeral services with full military honors will follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor Dave Dressler officiating. Interment will be at Gray Cemetery, and online memories or tributes can be offered at www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com. The family will provide flowers; memorial contribution in his memory may be made to Bakerburg Community Church, 197 Gray Valley Rd., Mainesburg, PA 16932, or to Guthrie Hospice,421 Tomahawk Rd., Towanda, PA 18848. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA is assisting the family.