of Mountain View, AR
January 26, 1921 - October 17, 2009
Chester Edd Passmore Sr. of Mtn. View Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Oct. 17, 2009. Chester was born on Jan. 26th, 1921 at Thola, Arkansas. His parents were Columbus Jackson Passmore and Lacretia Allred Passmore. Chester was preceded in death by one son, Ronnie Passmore, his parents, four sisters, Vera Massey, Alpha Massey, Zelda Wilson, and Verga Mitchell. Two brothers, Bervin Passmore, and Lester Passmore.
Chester is survived by his wife of 63 years, Georgia Cartwright Passmore, and his children, Judy & Don Jones of Mtn. View, Jeannie & Wayne Dockins of Batesville, and Chester E Jr & Terri Passmore of Harrisburg, Ar. He leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Bob & Tina Jones, Susan Leah & Kevin Green, Amy & Jason Gammill, Chester E III & Melissia Passmore, Lacey & Richie Haertlein, Joshua & Amanda Passmore, and Brady Dockins.
He is also survived by his great grandchildren. Taylor Jones, Bailey Green, Robert Jones, Haydon Green, Alexis Passmore, Eli Dockins, Hannah Passmore, Chester E Passmore IV, Talia Passmore, Jacie Gammill, Lilly Haertlein, and Judah Passmore.
Chester's life was rich and very full. He attended schools in Thola, Marshall, and Fifty Six, Ar. His family traveled to find work throughout the Great Depression, following farm labor in Arkansas and Mississippi. While living in Olive Branch, Mississippi Chester joined the U.S. Coast Guard, in Oct. of 1942. While serving in the Coast Guard, he spent most of his service time in the South Pacific where they supplied Carrier Groups and Ground Forces during WWII. Since Chester reportedly did not drink, the Captain of his ship placed him in charge of the ships store and supply of Liquor to ration to the crew. Chester was discharged in March of 1946.
Chester was married to Georgia Mae Cartwright Passmore on Dec. 31, 1946. He took his family to Washington State to find work, and worked on the Hanford Nuclear Project. They moved back to Arkansas in 1952, and Chester worked for his father in law, George Cartwright, at his sawmill, he also raised chickens for J.K. Sutherland.
After the death of his son Ronnie, in a tragic accident, Chester & Georgia opened a grocery store in Mtn. View. It was during this time that Chester began to develop the relationships that would be the starting point of a Political Career spanning 37 years.
In 1966, Chester was elected County Judge, for the first of two terms in office. It was during this time that He, along with Mayor Tommy Simmons, and local businessmen, Junior Lancaster, Buddy Lackey, Glen Hinkle, and many others were able to bring jobs and progress to the county by the opening of the Blanchard Shirt Factory. Also during this time, plans were being made for the creation of the Ozark Folk Center, and Blanchard Springs Caverns. Upgrades were also made to the local water system, sewer system, and many roads were paved during this time.
After leaving the county judge's office, Chester worked for the Misc. Tax Dept. of the State of Arkansas. It was also during this time that Chester ran for, and was elected to the Mtn. View City Council. He served on the Council for 22 years, under 4 different mayors. He has spent his retirement years gardening, mowing his 6 acre yard weekly, and visiting with his Coffee Shop Buddies. Chester believed in making Stone Co. and the Mtn. View area a place where people can raise their families with old fashioned values and Christian character. He was a leader, and leaves behind a legacy of leadership and forward thinking that are to be admired.
Visitation is 6 - 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at the First Assembly of God Church, Mtn. View.
Funeral service is 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at the First Assembly of God Church with Rev. Bill Piker, Rev. Don Nye and Rev. Eddie Passmore officiating and interment in Flatwoods Cemetery, Mtn. View.
Pallbearers are Rev. Chester Edd Passmore III, Rev. Joshua Passmore, Bob Jones, Brady Dockins, Robert Jones and Haydon Green. Honorary pallbearers are Chester Edd Passmore IV, Judah Passmore, Eli Dockins, Hardee's Coffee Shop Boys and Krispy House Coffee Shop Boys.
Roller Crouch Funeral Home, Mtn. View is in charge of the arrangements.
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16 Condolence(s)
Brady Dockins
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
I Love you grandad. I'll always miss you.
Pat Teague Pierce
Sunday, October 25, 2009
I was so sorry to hear about Chester. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Bob & Carlene Webb
Friday, October 23, 2009
So very sorry to hear of Chester's passing. We're so glad we got to visit with him last time in Mtn. View. May God give you all peace and comfort. He was a very good friend and a good Christian man!! He will surely be missed by all who knew and loved him. Love to all.
Anita Wenzel
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Dear Georgie and family,
I'm so sorry to lose my Uncle Ches. He was more of a brother/father figure to me and I loved him, and you, dearly.
Love,
Delores
pat brewer mecum
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Susan and family, sorry to hear about your loss. I remember Chester as that county judge, I worked in the local court house during his first terms as a summer student; my dad, Melvin worked for him during this time. I knew him as a kind man, and generous with his smiles. I am sure he was proud of his family...and his legacy will live on because of the friends he made and has now left behind. God bless all of you.
Melvin and Retha Brewer family by Pat Mecum, daughter
Anita (Hendrix) Williams
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Georgia Mae, I am sorry to hear about Chester's passing. You & the family are in our prayers. God bless. Cousin Anita (Hendrix) Williams & husband Clarence. (I am your Uncle Geams' daughter.)
Susie & Lonnie Burrow
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Dear Judy & Georgia:
So sorry to hear about Chester. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. He was a good man.
Susie & Lonnie Burrow
Sandra (Downs) Smithson
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Terri, Eddie, and Georgia, I am so sorry to hear about Chester. I talked with him and Georgia at Cody's a few weeks ago while I was visiting with dad. I know you will miss Chester, but you can be assured he is rejoicing in heaven.
Tammy and Robbie Cooper
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Susan and family, We are sorry to heard about your grandpa's passing. We are praying for God's comfort for your family, as only He can. Praise the Lord you'll see him again. God bless you, and sending our love!
Bill Ray
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Our prayers are with the family during this time of your loss. I know you'll miss him. God be with you all. Bill and Sue Ray
Dawn (Welch) Branscum
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Georgia,Judy, Bob, Susan and families,
I am so sorry about Chester's passing. He was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed. I remember my Dad telling stories about him and Chester and Georgia and all the times they had growing up. I will so miss seeing him and Georgia up at Cody's eating. I know the childrens' pain and if you ever need to talk, just call. May God bless all of you.
Ronnie & Darlene Garman
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Bob, Jason and families. You are in our prayers.
Connie & Jerry Moser
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Our church just completed a Youth Revival with Mr. Passmore, Sr. grandson and he spoke of his grandfather at different times in his messages. Our thoughts & prayers are with this family. What a legacy this man of God has left us.
Ken Avey
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Judy my sympathy and prayers are with you and Georgia at this time
Michael and Sonya Pitts
Monday, October 19, 2009
Our deepest sympathy go out to the Passmore family.
RP and Karen Tinkle
Monday, October 19, 2009
Our sympathy and prayers are with the Passmore Family.