Chester Lee Willoughby, 89, Bartonville, Ill., went home to be with his Lord Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Peoria, Ill.

Chester was born Sept. 19, 1929, in Crescent, the son of Carl Willoughby Sr. and wife Annie E., nee Wright. He graduated from Pacific High School. On Aug. 18, 1956, he married Maxine E. Prichard.

He became a member of Woodland Baptist Church in Peoria, Ill., in 1956. He served as a deacon at the church for many years. He also served his Lord in other positions. He served as a Sunday school teacher for various age groups, an R.A. leader, cook, custodian and even camp cook. Chester was a Korean War veteran, serving from 1951 to 1953. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He also was a member of the American Legion in Bartonville, Ill.

He was employed by Broderick and Bascom Wire Rope Company in St. Louis and Peoria, Ill. for over 33 years. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Peoria, Ill., in 1995. He also was employed as a senior care transportation driver and a police dispatcher. Chester enjoyed traveling, gardening, camping, nature, studying God's Word, fishing, swimming and meeting people.

Chester is survived by his wife, Maxine Willoughby, and their children, Tamara (Steven) Smith, Bartonville, Ill., Tonya (Andrew) Luncsford, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Joseph Willoughby, Bartonville, Ill., and Tammy (Mark) Fullagar, Cartersville, Ga. Also surviving are two sisters, Billie Poleski, Valley Park, and Lorene Lyle, Somerville Tenn.; one brother-in-law, Clyde (Maxine) Prichard, Knoxville, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Chloe Poe, St. Louis; and Betty Prichard, Robertsville. Chester also is survived by 13 grandchildren (some of whom lovingly referred to him as How-do); six great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and cousins.

Chester was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church, Robertsville, Saturday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m.

Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Woodland Baptist Church in Peoria, Ill., or a charity of donor's choice.

The Willoughby family is being served by Bell Funeral Home, Pacific.
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