Gerald Chester

Gerald Chester, 75, of Iola, Kansas, died Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at his lake home in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Gerald Burton Chester was born April 4, 1940, in Poteau, Oklahoma, the son of John Burton and Geneva L. ( Brown ) Chester. Gerald's early education began in elementary school in Poteau where he attended K-3 grades. Fourth thru sixth grades he spent in the Oakland , California school system. He returned to Poteau and graduated with honors from Poteau High School. He married Onetta Burgess and they were later divorced. His higher education included earning an associate degree from Carl Albert Junior College in Poteau, a bachelor degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State College in Tahlequah, and doctoral studies at Kansas State University. Gerald's education enabled him to a long career in public education. He taught high school in northeastern Oklahoma and Iola, Kansas. He taught English for many years at Allen County Community College before moving into administrative work. He was outreach director for Allen, Butler, Ft. Scott, and Neosho Community Colleges before retiring. He was married to Debbie Ostrander in 1983 and she survives. SURVIVORS: Wife: Debbie 3 sons: Darrell Chester and wife Karyn of Iola, Shaun Chester, and wife Jennifer of Lexington, Nebraska, and Justin Chester and wife Amy of Rose Hill 1 daughter: Asia Foster and husband Brett of Pittsburg Father: J.B. Chester and wife Sandy of Poteau 1 brother: Glendon Chester and wife Barbara of Poteau 2 nieces: Gayla and Gina 1 step-sister: Lacrisha Southerland and husband Danny of Poteau 9 grandchildren He was preceded in death by his Mother and a sister, Sharon Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, August 8, 2015, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel. A visitation will follow the services. To sign the guestbook online or to leave a condolence go to www.iolafuneral.com .