Chester C. Currie

Chester C. Currie, 91, of Midland, died early Sunday morning, Sept. 7, 2008, at his residence.

He was born on April 3, 1917, in Detroit, son of the late Chester and Estelle Currie. Chet was raised in Manistique, by his two late aunts, Miss Gladys Currie and Mrs. Sara Kinsting. He graduated from Alma College in 1939 with a bachelor of science, and was a graduate of Stanford University's Advanced Senior Management Program. He married the former Rhea Wark on June 26, 1941, in Peck. He began working for The Dow Chemical Co. in 1941. Chet began his career in the Ethocel Division. Later, he was transferred to a Dow group doing basic research in silicone chemistry. In 1943 this group was reorganized and incorporated as Dow Corning Corporation. A short time after the formation of Dow Corning, Chet was appointed manager of the fluids section, product engineering laboratories. In this capacity, he was directly concerned with the development of new silicone fluids, compounds, and greases. In 1957 Chester was appointed manager of the newly organized new products department, which is concerned with the efficient marketing, development and production of new materials resulting from Dow Corning's research and development program. Several patents have been granted to Chet, and he had also cooperated in the preparation of many technical papers. In 1973 he became a senior management consultant and in 1982 Chet retired as director of manufacturing after 45 years of service to Dow and Dow Corning. Chester's memberships include Memorial Presbyterian Church, Midland Rotary Club and the Midland Country Club, of which he was past president. Along with his wife he wintered in Florida for many years. His hobbies included still life painting, playing bridge and gin rummy, along with golfing. He had seven holes in one on different courses.

Surviving in addition to his wife, of 67 years, Rhea are his two children, William W. Currie of Huron, Ohio and Robert D. Currie and his wife, Anne Carson of Ann Arbor; and a cousin, Sally Radde. In addition to his parents and aunts; one sister, Jane, predeceased him.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, from Memorial Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Wallace H. Mayton III and the Rev. Dr. J. David Pierce will officiate, with private burial in Midland Cemetery.

Chester's family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., today from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be no visitation prior to the service on Wednesday.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the donor's favorite charity. If you are unable to visit with family in person you may send your condolences through www.waresmithwoolever.com.