Chester Render

Chester W. Render

            Chester W Render passed away Tuesday morning Sept. 8,2015 in his home following a brief illness. Chester died as he lived; with grace, dignity and in charge. He was born to Sammy and Myrtle Render on March 25,1933 in Jonesboro, AK.

            On July 16,1955 he married Joy P Render. They resided in Braceville, Ill. where they had two sons: Barry (Denise) and Terry (Cherokee).

            Chester is survived by his wife; two sons and their wives; six grandchildren and their families: Joshua (Jenni –  four daughters and a son on the way), Justin (Danielle – two sons), Derek, Christian (Jessica), Joelle and Zeb; and two brothers: Garfield and Kenneth (Sue). He is also survived by many extended family members including nieces, nephews and sister-in-laws.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Docky, Clifford, Charles and Dalton; sisters: TBD and Hazel; and four siblings who died at birth.

            Chester was in the Army during the Korean War. When he returned, he began working at US Rubber and then married Joy. When they married, he started working for his father-in-law at Tri-Oil in Gardner, Ill. Then in 1966, he and Joy bought a farm and moved to Iowa in 1968. He farmed in Iowa and Keokuk counties for almost 50 years. He was a savvy businessman who was honest, wise and generous. The Lord blessed Chet and Joy’s life abundantly. Later in life, Chester was called to ministry and along with his wife built New Life Fellowship Church in Keswick. He retired in 2013 and continued as pastor emeritus of New Life Fellowship Church.

            Chester’s legacy is the family he leaves behind, the wife he adored, the sons he was devoted to and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren he delighted in. Chester loved his family more than he had words for – he cherished every single one of them. He will be missed by his family, friends, church family and community. We know he has gone on to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus where he now has joy unspeakable. It is well with his soul. I Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

            Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the New Life Fellowship Church, Keswick. Burial will be in the White Pigeon Cemetery, rural Webster. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Powell Funeral Home, North English. A general memorial fund has been established. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com