Chester Lee Sharpe

LEWISTOWN, Mo. -- Chester Lee Sharpe, 80, of Lewistown, died Sunday (June 5, 2011) in Hannibal Regional Hospital.

He was born in LaBelle on Dec. 6, 1930, a son of Melvin E. and Elizabeth Parker Sharpe. He was married to Jean Carolyn Turner on Feb. 17, 1951, in Harrison, Ark.

Chet served in the U.S. Army in occupied Japan following World War II. He graduated from L.I.F.E. Bible College and was ordained as a minister in the Four Square Gospel Church in 1954. Before his retirement, he worked as a life insurance and real estate salesman.

Chet enjoyed spending time with family and friends, winning at card games, and watching old Western movies.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Sharpe of Lewistown; his children, Connie Sue Barnes and her husband, David, of Lone Jack, Dennis Lee Sharpe and his wife, Deanna, of Columbia, Duane Ray Sharpe and his wife, Avis, of Cherry Hill, N.J., and Deborah Jean Waggoner and her husband, Adam, of Palmyra; his grandchildren, Randy Ledbetter and his wife, Jami, Robert and Mike Barnes, David and Daniel Sharpe, Jennifer Pockrus and her husband, Barry, Stacy and Sarah Sharpe, Nathan and Arnold Waggoner; and his great-grandchildren, Paige, Bailey, Tanner and Alexis; as well as other relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Roberta Evans, Lorene Humphress and Mary Lee Sharpe; and two brothers, Everett Dewey and Norvil Clinton Sharpe.

SERVICES: Noon Thursday in Heartland Community Church north of Bethel, under the direction of the Coder Funeral Chapel in LaBelle. The Rev. Charles Sharpe will conduct the services. Burial will be in the Steffenville Cemetery. Music will be provided by Heartland Community Church.

Casket bearers will be David Barnes, Randy Ledbetter, Raul Gonzalez, Nathan Sharpe, Peter Toderescu and David Lee Sharpe.

VISITATION: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday in Heartland Community Church north of Bethel.

MEMORIALS: Heartland Community Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Coder Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 151, LaBelle, MO 63447.

ARRANGEMENTS: Coder Funeral Chapel, LaBelle.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.