Raymond Chesser

Ever the outdoorsman, Ray Chesser loved being in the wide open spaces, enjoying all it had to offer. Foremost, however, was his love for family, and living life to the fullest. And Ray did so exceptionally well surrounded by those he loved and cared for.

Born on February 2, 1927 in the town of Winslow, Indiana, Raymond Chesser was the son of Louis B. and Alice Mae Chesser. Marked by a time of prosperity in America, the year 1927 was filled with excitement. From the world of fashion to the world to politics, forces clashed to produce one of the most explosive decades of the century. An age of prohibition, prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions of the day which greatly improved the American way of life.

This was especially true for Raymond and his family. His father worked in construction, while his mother remained at home to care for their young son. Typical of the times, Ray enjoyed a childhood filled with adventure. Like many young boys, he found his share of mischief, too. He attended the area schools, and with the hardships of the Great Depression came times of economic struggle, experienced by all. With the onset of World War II, Ray felt the call to duty and entered the U.S. Army. He served courageously and honorably with the military police for 18 months, and was proud to have been a U.S. Veteran.

Ray went into the construction trade. In 1947, he and his family moved to Vicksburg, Michigan where Ray and his father assisted in building the new Upjohn building. Once there and settled, his mother began working at Western Auto in Vicksburg. Ken and Kevin followed in his footsteps into the construction field.

There was, however, a part of Ray that remained in Indiana, and her name was Alberta Hudson. It was 1945, and Ray had a date with a girl who stood him up. The girl's friend, Alberta went in her place, and together she and Ray enjoyed a movie on that fateful day, and their hearts were never the same. Yet with a four year age gap between them, Alberta's mother wasn't too keen on her 15 year old daughter knowing an older boy like Ray. And she most certainly thought her daughter was too young to yet date. In fact, for a short period of time, Alberta went to live in Ohio with her mother.

Always the courageous one, Ray held on to his feelings for Alberta and pledged his love for his sweetheart. Nothing could separate their budding romance, and on March 21, 1948, they shared vows of marriage, happily becoming husband and wife. They also soon shared the love of two sons when they welcomed the births of Kenneth and Kevin. Ray was a hard worker and did his best to offer his family a good life. Always loving and caring, he found his family to be his greatest treasure.

Ray was a true outdoorsman. He loved to fish and hunt, and especially liked mushroom hunting. Another one of his passions was collecting antique fishing lures. Even though Alberta did all the cooking in their home, Ray's specialty included his infamous turtle stew. Although it was known to be quite good, Alberta could never quite bring herself to try it! Whenever he had extra mushrooms, fish, rabbits or squirrels, Ray kindly shared the fruits of his labor with the elderly. Whether waiting to catch a big one or his love for driving SLOWLY through the countryside, Ray enjoyed anything outdoors.

The place that brought Ray the greatest joy and his favorite place to go was his home in Indiana. Over the years they kept a trailer home there and thoroughly enjoyed their many friendships which continued well after Ray's move to Michigan. For 25 years, Ray worked for the Miller-Davis Construction Company as a labor foreman. Following an injury, he retired, which allowed Ray and Alberta to spend three months out of the year enjoying their trailer and time in Indiana.

When it came to music, Ray liked country and the sounds of Vince Gill. He was an avid NASCAR and Jeff Gordon fan, and a longstanding family joke entitled Ray to the nickname, "Speedracer". He also liked playing a good game of cards. Each morning he and Alberta began their day by playing several games of Skip Bo over coffee.

Like the Chessers before him, Ray was just as stubborn as he was bold. He was a confident man who stood by the things he believed in. His courageous nature, loving spirit and caring ways will never be forgotten. Deeply missed, the heart of Ray Chesser lives on in those who knew and loved him.

Raymond Chesser, of Vicksburg passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Alberta; two sons: Kenneth (Vicky) Chesser, of Vicksburg; Kevin (Sherry) Chesser, of Vicksburg; eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Junior.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 21st from 11AM until 1PM, at Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The funeral service will be held on Monday at 1PM at the same location. Ray will have military honors at the funeral home after the service. Please visit Ray’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guestbook, share a memory and photo. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Kairos Dwelling.