Chester "Chet" Beyers Obituary (1916 - 2016)

Chester "Chet" Beyers, 99, of Pana, died Wednesday, January 20, 2016 in St. John's Hospital, Springfield. He was born December 8, 1916 in Pana, IL to the late Frank E. Clara (Comerford) Beyers. Chet lived his entire life in Pana and was a graduate of Pana Township High School. He was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church; honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus; member former director of the Christian County Farm Bureau; former member of Pana Lions Club, Country Pickers, Ole Time Fiddlers, Assumption Elevator Board; and former director of Drainage District and Pana Fair. He was a lifelong farmer and was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Chester Beyers and Marie Waddelow were united in marriage on June 2, 1940 in St. Patrick's Parish Hall, Pana. She preceded him in death on August 26, 2011. He is survived by children: Sharon (Bob) Gunnigle, Novi, MI; Barbara (Gary) Schmidt, Riverton, IL; Steve Beyers, Pana, IL; 8 grandchildren: Nancy (Craig) Peterson, Royal Oak, MI; John (Julie) Gunnigle, Scottsdale, AZ; Sheri (Marty) Scanlan, Springfield, IL; Chris Schmidt (friend Greg Sabin), Loami, IL; Lucas, Madolyn, Ciera, Olivia Beyers, Urbana, IL; 5 great grandchildren: Thomas, Vivian, Violet Gunnigle, Scottsdale, AZ and Tyler Connor Scanlan, Springfield, IL; many nieces nephews. Besides his parents wife, he was preceded by brothers: Ben Beyers, Frank Beyers, Jr., and Wayne Beyers. Funeral Information Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pana at 9:00 a.m. with Rev. Rodney A. Schwartz officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pana. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home.