Chester Emmons Obituary (2006)

BELGRADE - Chester O. Emmons Sr., 87, of Belgrade died Thursday April 13, 2006, at his home. Lovingly known as Chet, he was born Aug.15, 1918, in Richmond, the son of Benjamin Owen and Yvonne (Dostie) Emmons. He attended schools in Richmond. Chet loved basketball and played for Richmond High School, L.L. Bean, in the Navy and forward No. 18; 3rd Eagle Champs in 1931; No. 3 for the Tigers at the Post Gym. Chet served in the Army from June 25, 1937, to October 1939 as private first class in the infantry and was a military police officer at Schofield Barracks in 1938. Chet also served in the Navy as specialist (A), third class from March 1940 to June 1944, serving as a physical training Instructor and underwater demolition technician instructor. After World War II, he graduated from Maine Industrial Training School as a first-class welder and worked at New England Shipbuilding Corp. from June 1944 as a first-class leadman welder. He married Dorothy Jean Smith on April 30, 1947, in Brunswick. Mr. Emmons was a Maine State trooper, retiring in June 1967 after 20 years of service. He was poster trooper of the year in 1965. After his retirement from the State Police, he became chief of security at Bates College from October 1967 to 1981. He was a founder of the Belgrade Lions Club and was always a faithful friend. He was an honorable member of American Legion Post 132 in Richmond for more than 20 years as a World War II veteran. Chet was an avid fisherman, fishing in many of the Maine lakes. In 1965, he canoed the 100 miles of the famous Allagash Reserve with his two older sons and father-in-law, Royce 'Snuffy' Smith. He was a wonderful father and in 1954 was chairman of Pack 305, Boy Scouts of America. He was a proud grandfather, as well as a great-grandfather and beloved father-in-law. Chet was loved and honored by all who knew him for his integrity, great sense of humor, deep love for God and dedication to helping others. When Max Baer's brother was in an automobile accident in Maine in 1957, he wrote to the Chief C. Marx of the State Police citing the 'courteous and sincere care that 'Trooper Emmons' displayed to all involved.' President Harry Truman wrote in 1945 to all the troops citing their dedication to world peace and personally signed a letter to Chester. He was a man of integrity and loved most of all by the Lord Jesus Christ and we know we'll see him again. He was an active member of the Dunn's Corner Baptist Church in Mount Vernon. Chester was predeceased by his wonderful life-mate, Dorothy Jean Emmons, who died May 2005, as well as his two daughters, Suzanne Emmons Coombs Bloom and Robin Gayle Emmons, and a grandson, Jimmy Coombs. He is survived by his brother, Donald; his sisters, Bertha Sylvain and Venise 'Pinky' La Chance; his three sons, David C. Emmons and wife Jean of Canon City, Colo.; Chester O. Emmons Jr. and wife Joy of Portsmouth, N.H., and Dean Royce Emmons and his wife, Kimberly A., of Mount Vernon; 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ABCOM China Lake Music Camp, c/o Dunn's Corner Baptist Church, 238 Wings Mills Road, Mount Vernon 04352. Visiting hours will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, where the funeral will be at 7 p.m. The American Legion Post 132 of Richmond will conduct a full military ceremony and committal service will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, April 21, at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road Section, Augusta.