MEADE – Chester M. "Chet" Rexford, age 97, died early Tuesday morning, December 9, 2014, at the Meade District Hospital, Meade, Kansas.

He was born February 17, 1917, in rural Meade County, Kansas, the son of Theron E. and Mae (Waters) Rexford. As a young boy he attended the Mertilla Grade School in rural Meade County, later attending Meade High School, graduating in 1934. After his graduation he began his career in farming and served as a civil aviation flight instructor during World War II in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was a member of the Untied Methodist Church and a former member of Webb Lodge A.F. & A.M. #275, receiving his 65 year pin, both of Meade; Fargo Lodge A.F. & A.M., Liberal; the Scottish Rite of Wichita; the Southwest Irrigators; and the Flying Farmers. He was an avid aviator and enjoyed motorcycles, riding until 86 years of age; hunting; fishing; arrowhead hunting; listening and watching sporting events and was found of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals; and had a thirst for adventure, skydiving at the age of 82.

On June 14, 1938, he married Izola Nadene Dowell at Ness City, Kansas. She precedes him in death on October 23, 2010.

He is survived by:
A daughter, Wilda Beth Acoya Rose of Santa Fe, New Mexico

Seven grandchildren Seven great-grandchildren One great-great-grandchild

He is preceded in death by his wife; a son, Ray Rexford on December 27, 2010; a brother, Alva E. Rexford; and a sister Lois Johnson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2014, at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home to sign the guest register, the casket will remain closed. Interment will follow in the Graceland Cemetery, Meade.

The family would welcome memorials to the United Methodist Church or the Meade District Hospital in care of the funeral home.