Chester M. "Chet" Harris 83, Oblong, died Friday January 31, 2003 at his residence. Chet was born May 19, 1919 in Jasper County, Illinois and was the son of Chauncey Lee Harris and Fannie Mae Michl.
On May 5, 1947, he married Augusta "Gussie" Maulding. Chet's occupations included a mechanic at Parkers Garage in Oblong, driller for the Pure Oil Company, carpenter with Ted Mehler, maintenance department at L. S. Health & Sons Candy Company and finally retiring in 1988 from the maintenance department at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong. Chester was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II serving in the 101st Air Born Division. He was took part in the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. He received two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. His church affiliation was with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and he was a member of the Oblong American Legion Post #219. Chet's hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening and working in his yard.
Chet is survived by his wife "Gussie", two sons and daughters-in-laws Brad & Debbie Harris and Randy & Brenda Harris; a daughter and son-in-law Nancy & Phil Rich; 8 grandchildren Levi Harris, Laura Harris, Michael Harris, Emily Harris, Jennifer Faught, Jessica Faught, Melissa & Chris Cupp and Jamie & Tim Rains; two great grandchildren Levi & Lucus Cupp; brother and sister-in-law Andrew & Aileen Harris; sister Isabel Clark; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Chet in death were his parents: one infant son; one infant daughter: two brothers Victor & Arthur Harris: and a sister Dorothy Dohm.
Burial is in Oblong Cemetery with military rites conducted by Oblong American Legion Post #219.