Ernest Junior “Chet” Chidester died peacefully at home on September 16, 2024. Cozy in his bungalow, he had his loyal, beloved dog Henry by his side. As many before it in his final months, the day had passed tranquilly. He loved sitting on his front porch: fresh air, birdsong, Henry close by and, of course, his cigarettes. Grandkids often popped by with snacks, breakfast and silliness. His morning coffee was often interrupted by a “walk” with family in his motorized scooter. He’d ponder changes in the neighborhood had changed, mostly for the better, who used to live where and why had they still not finished staining that fence? A cowboy hat was often atop his head. Where he used to take his wife dancing decked out in hat, pearl-snaps, and boots years before, these morning walks were where he needed his cowboy hats these days. As we all know, the Texas sun is relentless, but a spot of shade brings great relief.

It was a far cry from where he started. Born deep in the hollows of West Virginia on July 25th, 1943, Chet was the final of nine children. In many ways, his family was shaped by the pain and scarcity of Appalachian poverty. His formidable mother Archie (née Peck) survived his father James Phineas when Chet was only five years old and charged forward. Like his brothers before him, Chet took to the guitar early, the pull of bluegrass music in the air everywhere. He left the hollow at seventeen to enlist in the United States Air Force where he served honorably in Vietnam. The rest of the family lingered close to home and never stopped trying to draw him back to the mountains of West Virginia. Despite his attachment to family, Chet was intrepid. He wanted to see the world. Between the terrible fighting of the Vietnam War, how it messily spilled around the entire region and the challenges of navigating life back in the States as a veteran of an unpopular war, explore he did. It took him a few years to settle in the great state of Texas, but when he did, it was for life.

One thing that rooted him to the Lone Star State was his fondness for Texas ladies. In his search for his own yellow rose, Chet made an honest woman of four different Texan gals. He is survived by the fourth, his wife Teena. Joined in mourning are his stepchildren by her Chris McDonald (wife Julianne), Zachary McDonald (wife Rosamaría) and Meghan McDonald Carlson (husband Rachael), along with a brood of sundry, loud grandchildren. From his first wife Lynette, he is survived by his children Donovan Chidester (wife Jennifer), DeLynn Chidester and Drustin Chidester (wife Amber), along with grandchildren Bucky, Lois, Kimmy, Ivy, Kristin, Candy, Colby, David, Autumn, Cory and Bryce.

For many years, Chet was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union. Along with the reasonable VA benefits he had secured, he made a steady life. Spared the dangers of the coal mines back home (that had indeed claimed multiple siblings) and assured as a homeowner, Chet relished his recreation as a younger man. Teena recalls fondly his penchant as a talented dancer at his favorite establishment The Lone Star Bar in Jonestown, Texas. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday. He was a good cook and made a hearty weekday breakfast that wowed 12-year-old, cereal-weary Meghan. He played a good guitar and for many years his strumming was a regular presence at family gatherings. He recently shared the happy memory of picking “Wildwood Flower” on a flat top guitar as a young man. In the last ten years, he was fortunate to enjoy some cross-country trips, including several fishing trips to Wyoming with friends Bill Mason and James Brown. A trim man all his life, Chet was definitely chilly in the Grand Tetons, but between the grand views, hearty fishing and good company, he had no complaints and returned with grand stories. May we all be so lucky. Rest in Peace, Chet.

Memorial services celebrating Chets life will be held at Jones Brothers Park in Jonestown, Texas, under the big oak tree between 2-6pm Saturday September 21st.

The United States Air Force Honor Guard will present Teena with a Flag and play Taps at 3pm.