Chester F. Stanley, 72, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Mountain Memories Assisted Living facility in Elkins, WV. Born on January 26, 1951, he was the son of the late Ralph and Alma (June) Stanley.
Chester enlisted in the Army after graduating from Mountaineer High School in 1968. Assigned to the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam, he served as a crew chief on an OH-6A scout helicopter. Chester and his fellow crewmen flew reconnaissance missions to pinpoint enemy targets for the accompanying AH-1 Cobra helicopters. During his 18 months in combat, Chester received a Bronze Star medal for valor with oak leaf cluster and 37 Air Medals, many for valor plus the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster. After the Army, Chester worked as a maintenance technician for the US Postal System in Dallas, TX. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and restoring antique furniture. Chester was active in many veterans’ organizations including the 25th Infantry Division Association, the 3-4 Cav Association, and the VFW where he was a long-time member of the color guard.
He is survived by his sister-in-law and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence Stanley.
At the request of Chester, he was cremated. At a later date, he will be interred, with military honors, next to his mother and father in Rose Hill Cemetery, Thomas, WV.
The Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home, Davis, is honored to be assisting the Stanley family.