Chester McGehee

Chester M. McGehee of Eagle Lake went to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday evening, Nov. 29, 2008 following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Fordtran, near Victoria on Nov. 10, 1927, the son of Robert and Jewel Buchanan McGehee; and recently celebrated his 81st birthday at home with his family. He grew up in Dewitt County, near Yoakum, where he attended school prior to joining the U.S. Army, at the age of 18 to serve in World War II.

After entering the Army at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio and completing basic training in Biloxi, Miss.; he returned to Eagle Lake to marry Mildred Walker, the love of his life for 62 years, on June 26, 1946. After marriage, he traveled from Texas to Greensboro, N.C. on a steam engine train where he was deployed to serve his country in Paris, France and Wiesbaden, Germany.

In 1950, he started a 25- year career with Superior Oil Company, retiring in 1975, only to extend his career another 33 years as owner of McGehee Lease Service, Inc. and coowner of C & M Operating, Inc. He was well-known as an expert in oilfield production throughout the area and never met a stranger. He was also a cattle rancher and raised miniature horses for many years.

Chester and his family enjoyed traveling and camping around the U.S. and Canada, where he loved the mountains and the great outdoors. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who enjoyed life to the fullest.

Chester was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jewel McGehee; a sister, Geraldine Kindred; and two brothers, Robert McGehee, Jr. and Melvin McGehee; all of Yoakum, Texas.

Chester is survived by his wife, Mildred Walker McGehee; daughter, Billie Jean Case of Eagle Lake; and son, Don McGehee of Houston; three granddaughters, Ginger Case Kacal and husband Clint Kacal of El Campo; Cassidi Case of Houston; Savanna McGehee Ross and husband Hugh Ross of Solvang, Calif.; and grandson, Smith McGehee of Houston. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Purdy and husband Bob Purdy of Victoria; and brother, Joe McGehee of Yoakum.

Visitation will be at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus today, Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 1-7 p.m., with the family receiving guests from 5-7 p.m.; 8-11 a.m. Thursday; and from 1-2 p.m. at the church prior to services.

Funeral services will be at First Baptist Church in Eagle Lake on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. with interment at Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake.

Pallbearers will be Hershel Sides, Wilfred Frnka, Scott Hooper, David Garza, Quinton Hodges and Randy McGehee.

Memorial contributions can be made to Columbus Community Hospital or the charity of your choice.