David Edward Chester

1948 - 2025

David Edward Chester, 76, died peacefully with his wife by his side on March 24, 2025, after a brief illness.

Born in Indianapolis on June 4, 1948, to Mary Jane and Roger Chester, Dave was raised in Elkhart, IN. The Chesters were a close-knit family whose door was always open to friends. Dave and his three brothers were active boys who shared a love of music and time on the water, from boating on Simonton Lake and the St. Joseph River to soaking up the sun on the beaches of Aruba. He was especially athletic, even excelling at barefoot skiing and winning The Golden Gloves in boxing.

After graduating Elkhart High School, Dave attended Indiana State University before joining the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany as Assistant to the Sgt. Major. On a blind date in 1972, he was introduced to Cynthia Tolbert of Rome, GA. The rest as they say was history - Dave moved to Rome and married Cynthia at Frost Chapel on the campus of Berry College in April of 1973. A couple of years later they welcomed son Jeff, and Dave took to fatherhood naturally.

Once again, the door was always open at the Chester house. Together, Dave and Cynthia built strong friendships that will continue to stand the test of time, including a group with whom they've shared Sunday supper for over 40 years. These are the closest of friends, whose children have grown to be equally close. Dave had an authentic way of connecting with people - he remembered little details, shared inside jokes, and when he smiled, he meant it - leaving his many friends from all corners of his life with fond memories.

Retiring after a successful career that began at Inland Container, followed by Rome Mortgage Company then OTR, Dave settled into the leisure life with ease. He enjoyed more time with family and friends, and once his grandson Ellis was born, he loved being a full-time PopPop.

Dave is predeceased by his parents; brother, John Chester; brother, Bill Chester; and stillborn daughter, Mary Ruth. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Cynthia Tolbert Chester; son, Jeff (Sarah) Chester of Atlanta; grandson, Ellis Chester; brother, Steve Chester of Auburndale, FL; cousins whom he loved dearly; five nieces; and that special group of neighborhood friends who became family.

Services will be held at Henderson and Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Known for his integrity, sense of humor, and dedication to family and friends, Dave will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, is honored to serve the family of David Edward Chester.