Chester Leland Hammond Sr., 87, of Fristoe Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025. He was born on April 22, 1937, to Jake Otis Hammond and Lillie May “Jackson” Hammond.
Chester was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Lillie May Hammond, as well as all of his siblings: Myrtle Hensley, Jesse Hammond (Mary), James Hammond, Fred Hammond (Helen Sue), Gene Hammond (Hilda), Otis Hammond (Jackie), George “Bud” Hammond (Jean), Nellie Smith (Justin “Smitty”), and Mable Kindle (Walter).
Chester is survived by his loving wife, Doris Ann Hammond: his children, Deborah Ann Stephens (Eddie) and Chester Leland Hammond Jr.; his grandchildren, Randy Lee Ryles Jr. (Niki), Anna Marie Tucker (Chris), Brandon Todd Hammond, Pricilla Lear (Korey), Levi Leland Monroe Keithley, and Constance Chantel Keithley.
He leaves behind many great-grandchildren: Chassidy Layne Ryles (Justin), Alyssa Marie Smith (Nick), Joslynn Dakota Ryles, Logan Alexander Ryles, Lauren Grace Tucker, Olivia Kristine Tucker, Micah Dexter Keithley, Raven Skye Keithley, Randy Lee River Stephens, Roxanna Marie Lee Stephens, Texas Lee Rider Cash Stephens, Benson Wynn Keithley, James Moran, Alana Howell, and Jonah Howell. Chester was also a proud great-great-grandfather to Ryleigh Balke, Ashtyn Balke, Langston Balke, and Stetson Ryles.
Chester is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all of whom will carry his memory in their hearts.
Chester was a pillar of strength and generosity to his family and friends. If you knew and were loved by Chester, you didn’t want for anything, as he made sure that all of his family and friends were cared for. He was always there with a helping hand, a kind word, and a heart full of love.
Chester was often found at Mary’s Cafe, where he enjoyed good food and the warmth of community conversations or piddling around his farmstead.
After his military service, Chester worked as a grave digger for the Truman Lake project, relocating many to their new resting places. He also worked as a carpenter, building many of the older homes in Warsaw. However, much of his career was spent as a dairy farmer, a profession he shared with his loving wife, Doris. Together, they built a life grounded in hard work, dedication, and love for their family and community.
Chester was a man of great character and integrity, known for his kindness, his hardworking nature, and his deep love for his family. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family, all of whom will forever cherish the memories he leaves behind.
In honor of Chester’s wishes, a private graveside burial service for immediate family will be held.
The family requests Memorial contributions be made to the Fristoe Community Building, in care of Reser Funeral Home 101 W. Main Street Warsaw Missouri 65355.
