Hal Chesley

Hal Chesley

1937-2025

Beaver, UT-Hal Barton Chesley of Greenville Utah, passed away peacefully on December 2nd, 2025, from natural causes. He lived a full and meaningful life.

Hal was born on September 29, 1937, in Los Angeles, California, to Christian Ethelbert Chesley of Kanosh and Raema Barton of Greenville.

As a boy and young man, Hal worked a variety of jobs-from delivering newspapers to working at the Melrose Popcorn Company-he navigated Los Angeles with independence and determination. He enjoyed many adventures in his youth, some of his fondest memories were the summers he spent with his cousins in Greenville. He also cherished his time playing football at Eagle Rock High School, where he made lifelong friends who affectionately nicknamed him "Crow." Later Hal served in the U.S. Army and the National Guard, and then went on to build a long, successful career in corporate sales.

In 1961, Hal married Sonja Stolpe, later divorced. They shared three children: Noel, Eric, and Heidi. Hal was very proud of his children. The family lived in Salt Lake City beginning in 1972. After the divorce, Hal returned to Los Angeles to be near family and continue his sales career. He married Barbara Chesley in 1981, they were married for 40 years. Hal's career took him across the country, and he was recognized many times as a top salesman for Mitchell International. Later in his career Hal moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, eventually retiring in Greenville, Utah.

During retirement, Hal and his beloved wife Barbara enjoyed going on cruises, taking day trips throughout Southern Utah, and exploring the areas around Greenville. Hal also treasured time with his grandchildren, taking them fishing, building "fairy gardens" in his backyard and going on imaginative "treasure hunts" whenever they visited. He also enjoyed watching college football, especially the Utah Utes.

Throughout his life Hal loved hunting and fishing with his younger brothers, Ron and Roy, and with a large circle of friends. For decades he joined a dedicated group in creating a hunting camp where camaraderie and adventure were at the heart of every gathering.

He was a caring and generous man, often expressing his love by cooking for visitors. A wonderful cook, he was especially known for his biscuits and gravy-his famous SOP. He was known around town by many and was appreciative of the love and support he received, especially after his wife's passing.

A lifelong learner, Hal brought a keen sense of curiosity to everything he did. He loved history, the natural world, and learning about the people he cared for. He knew much about the history of Greenville, the town he always considered home, and he delighted in telling stories-sometimes embellished. The lore of Winston will live on in the hearts of many as will Hal. He was very loved.

Hal is survived by his children: Noel (Doug) Applebaum, Eric (Kristin Hawes) Chesley, Heidi (Bruce) O'Donoghue, and Mike (Lynn) Tompkins; and by his grandchildren: Christina Applebaum, Katie (Andy) Fink, Jack (Rebekah) O'Donoghue, Eric (Hannah) O'Donoghue, Paige O'Donoghue, Harrison Chesley, Talbott Chesley, Vanessa Chesley, and Jacob Tompkins. He is also survived by his brothers, Ron and Roy Chesley, many cousins, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Chesley.

A memorial service will be held in Greenville over Memorial Day weekend.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To share online condolences, please visit Hal's memorial page at www.mortuary.org.