Chester “Chet” LeRoy Force, age 89, of Adrian, Michigan passed away Sunday afternoon, August 11, 2024, at Lynwood Manor.
Chet was born on March 5, 1935, in Melvindale, MI, the youngest of Chester C. and Clarecy I. (Merritt) Force’s children.
Chet proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 10 years. Chet always had a love of music and played his guitar whenever he could. It was during his time stationed in Germany, that Chet had the opportunity to meet and play guitar with the country singer, Johnny Cash. When Chet was transferred back to Amarillo, Texas, opportunity came knocking again, and he played with Bob Wills and Roger Miller. Many in Adrian will remember Chet from his time playing guitar at the Holiday Inn in the 1980’s with Alice Mackey.
After the military, Chet went to work in the computer world as a Data Processing Director for the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD). He retired from the LISD after many years of dedicated service. Chet had a strong desire to learn and try new things throughout his life. He took flying lessons and eventually went together with a friend and purchased their own airplane.
In 1994, Chet married the love of his life, Arlene (Pate) Bates. They have been blessed with 30 years together and embraced being snowbirds in Florida for many winters.
In addition to his wife, Arlene, Chet is survived by his daughter, Theresia Thornton of Maumee, OH; stepsons, Charles (Michelle) Bates of Devils Lake and Timothy (Toni) Bates of Valparaiso, IN; step daughter-in-law, Dawn Bates of Melbourne, FL; 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Bob Force and Eloise Stoops; and stepson, Steve Bates.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian; with a period of visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the service begins. A graveside service with military honors will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Morenci, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
Chet was born on March 5, 1935, in Melvindale, MI, the youngest of Chester C. and Clarecy I. (Merritt) Force’s children.
Chet proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 10 years. Chet always had a love of music and played his guitar whenever he could. It was during his time stationed in Germany, that Chet had the opportunity to meet and play guitar with the country singer, Johnny Cash. When Chet was transferred back to Amarillo, Texas, opportunity came knocking again, and he played with Bob Wills and Roger Miller. Many in Adrian will remember Chet from his time playing guitar at the Holiday Inn in the 1980’s with Alice Mackey.
After the military, Chet went to work in the computer world as a Data Processing Director for the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD). He retired from the LISD after many years of dedicated service. Chet had a strong desire to learn and try new things throughout his life. He took flying lessons and eventually went together with a friend and purchased their own airplane.
In 1994, Chet married the love of his life, Arlene (Pate) Bates. They have been blessed with 30 years together and embraced being snowbirds in Florida for many winters.
In addition to his wife, Arlene, Chet is survived by his daughter, Theresia Thornton of Maumee, OH; stepsons, Charles (Michelle) Bates of Devils Lake and Timothy (Toni) Bates of Valparaiso, IN; step daughter-in-law, Dawn Bates of Melbourne, FL; 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Bob Force and Eloise Stoops; and stepson, Steve Bates.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian; with a period of visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the service begins. A graveside service with military honors will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Morenci, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
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