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Chester Berkley Obituary
VINTON — Chester Ray "Chet" Berkley, 78, of Vinton, passed away on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at his residence.
Born on September 15, 1940 in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, Chet was the son of the late Andrew E. and Okalla Rainey Berkley, Sr. Chet married Shirley Smith Berkley, who survives him in Vinton. He was a 1957 graduate of Gallia Academy High School who later earned a Bachelor of Science from Capital University. Chet was a salesman, selling commercial hydrolic equipment and air compressors. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Chet was a member of V.F.W. 4464, Wilkesville Masonic Lodge #275, Meigs County Horseman Chapter, NBHA (National Barrel Horse Association), and the NBHA OH 04 District rep.
Chet is survived by his wife, Shirley Berkley; ex-wife, Linda Lee Lantz; three daughters, Kathleen and Douglas Martin of Owenton, Kentucky, Holly and Douglas Fletcher of Vinton, and Julie Berkley of Vinton; step-daughter, Candi and Phil Ohlinger of Pomeroy; grandchildren, Ryan Martin, William Martin, Dominique and Nate Russell, Cheyenne Fletcher, and Evan Din; step-grandson, Daniel Young; great-grandchildren, Tristen, Kiera, Madilynn, Chevelle, and Aiyana; sisters, A. Suzanne Sigler of Xenia, and Vickie and Mike Smith of Johnstown; brother, Robert and Wynonna Berkley of Lubbock, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Chet was preceded in death by his brother, William "Billy" Berkley, James "Red" Berkley, and Andrew E. Berkley, Jr.; sisters, Betty Clark, Gertrude Wickline, and Annalee Hurd; and stepson, Dirk Young.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, December 21, 2018 at Willis Funeral Home. The gathering of friends will continue on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wilkesville Community Center, 164 State Route 160, Wilkesville, Ohio.
Please consider making a donation in Chet's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chester Berkley
5 Entries
Debbie Speak-Ross
December 20, 2018
Shirley, my heartfelt condolences on Chef's passing. He was a wonderful man who was admired and respected by many. I think of you two daily when I'm at the barn with Anakin, my greatest gift.
Kim Gibbs
December 18, 2018
So sorry for the loss of a great man! My thoughts and prayers
Carmella Fabrizio
December 18, 2018
So sorry to hear of Chester's passing. Wish to extend my deepest sympathy...May the love of family and friends comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Martha Ashton Brown
December 17, 2018
Shirley and Linda
Sorry to learn of the passing of Chet. My God be with you in the days ahead.
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