Howard Ray Chester

Howard Ray Chester, affectionately known as Pop, was born on August 9, 1936, to Willie Lee Chester and Ada Mae Martin Chester. He fell asleep in death on October 22, 2022. Howard was the youngest of five children, and he grew up in a small town surrounded by a large close-knit family. At a young age, his mother taught him his way around a kitchen and eventually that’s where he felt most at home. Throughout his life he enjoyed cooking for those he was closest to, and it was a beautiful expression of his love. Howard was a gentle soul. He was a family man, generous, loving and kind. He was always reliable and steady, and his word was his bond. He walked through life with a quiet strength, he was a hard worker, and he was honest. He was most notably a loving husband and dedicated father. For many years, he was an avid fisherman and his fishing pole was his constant companion. He loved Merle Haggard, his porch swing and just about any sport there ever was. He loved admiring the beauty of creation and being outside brought him joy. Howard was a Superintendent with the City of Natchitoches for many years, and he was well loved and respected by all his work family and crew. He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 20, 2009 - one of the decisions of which he was most proud. Howard is survived by the love of his life, Dolly Chester, and they would have celebrated their 65th anniversary in just a few weeks. His most precious possessions were his two children, Tony Chester and Lisa Lamartinere (Mike). His pride and joy were his six grandchildren, Seth Prudhomme (Melanie), Kristen Chester, Christopher Chester (Courtney), Lindsey Prudhomme, Tyler Chester (April), and Molli Lamartiniere; 15 great grandchildren; and a host of dearly loved nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, and children by love. Howard was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be held at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home at 848 Keyser Avenue in Natchitoches on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., with Brother David Meredith officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/5513133690?pwd=Wmn7DSbkRYiSHrqD2aUqHky50wtDWZ.1 or Meeting ID: 551 313 3690 Passcode: chester22 (all lowercase)