Gerald Chester, 75, Iola, died Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015, at his lake home in Fort Scott.
Gerald Burton Chester was born April 4, 1940, in Poteau, Okla., the son of John Burton and Geneva L. (Brown) Chester. Gerald’s early education began in elementary school in Poteau where he attended K-3 grades. Fourth through sixth grades he spent in the Oakland, Calif., school system. He returned to Poteau and graduated with honors from Poteau High School. He married Onetta Burgess and they were later divorced.
His higher education included earning an associate degree from Carl Albert Junior College in Poteau, a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State College in Tahlequah, and doctoral studies at Kansas State University. Gerald’s education enabled him to a long career in public education. He taught high school in northeastern Oklahoma and Iola. He taught English for many years at Allen County Community College before moving into administrative work. He was outreach director for Allen, Butler, Fort Scott and Neosho community colleges before retiring.
He was married to Debbie Ostrander in 1983 and she survives.
He is also survived by his three sons, Darrell Chester and wife Karyn, Iola, Shaun Chester, and wife Jennifer, Lexington, Neb., and Justin Chester and wife Amy, Rose Hill; one daughter, Asia Foster and husband Brett, Pittsburg; his father, J.B. Chester and wife Sandy, Poteau; one brother, Glendon Chester and wife Barbara, Poteau; two nieces, Gayla and Gina; one stepsister, Lacrisha Sutherland and husband Danny, Poteau; and nine grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother and a sister, Sharon.
Cremation has taken place.
Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel. A visitation will follow the services.
To sign the guestbook online or to leave a condolence go to www.iolafuneral.com.
Gerald Chester
