Merlin Chester

Funeral Services for Merlin Edward ?Bud? Chester, 74, of Baker, MT will be at 11:00 a. m. Thursday, June 26, 2008 in the chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT with Pastor Ron Burkhalter officiating. Military Rites will be presented by the Baker American Legion, Fallon Post #35. Interment will be at 2:00 p. m. in the family lot in the Medicine Rocks Church Cemetery south of Willard, MT. Bud passed away on Friday evening, June 20, 2008 at Fallon Medical Complex in Baker, MT. Merlin Edward ?Bud? Chester was born to Edward J. and Susan (Bendel) Chester in Madison, MN on December 17, 1933. Bud grew up in Madison. At the young age of 16, Bud left Minnesota and moved to Baker, MT. Bud worked for various farmers including Jim O?Connor and Ernie Bechtold. After a couple of years in the Baker community, Bud met Darlene Ruth Cretsinger at a local dance. In 1952, Bud joined the United States Navy. While home on leave, Bud and Darlene were married September 24, 1954 at the Medicine Rocks Church south of Willard, MT. Darlene traveled back to Coronado, CA where Bud was stationed. Bud and Darlene were blessed with three children, Beth in 1955, Richard in 1957 and Donna in 1958. In the fall of 1956, Bud was honorably discharged from the Navy and the family returned to Baker. Bud was a self-employed Master Electrician. While in Baker, he owned and operated Volt Wagon Electric. Bud also did custom farming and haying, as well as farming his own place. In 1965, Bud and Darlene purchased their first house in Baker. And in 1976, they built their first new home out on the farm south of Willard. In 2004, Bud sold his farmstead south of Willard and moved back to Baker where he made his home. Bud was an active member of the Baker Jaycees; was actively involved and enjoyed being a part of the Baker Snowmobile Club and a 50 year member of the American Legion, Fallon Post #35. In his spare time Bud enjoyed hunting and fishing. Bud could be found spending time with his friends and telling stories to anyone who would listen or just socializing. You were a stranger only once! Bud enjoyed his family and loved his grandchildren dearly. Bud is survived by his children, Beth (Robert Oliger) Chester, Seattle, WA, Richard (Patti) Chester, Baker, MT and Donna (Doug) Rowe, Baker, MT; his children?s mother, Darlene Chester, Baker, MT; six brothers, Vernon Chester, Billings, Howard (Barb) Chester, Madison, MN, Dennis ?Doc? (Donna) Chester, Minneapolis, MN, Larry Chester, Minneapolis, MN, Wayne (Carol) Chester, Waukan,MN and Ronald (Alice) Chester, Roy, WA; two sisters, Lorraine (Harold) Ryks, Wilmer, MN and Jane (Ray) Hofstad, Buffalo, MN; six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by: his parents, Edward and Susan and a niece, Mary Chester. Arrangements are under the care of the Stevenson Funeral Home of Baker, MT.


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Burial Date: June 26, 2008
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral Service: Thursday, Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT