Chester Stone attended Lawson Elementary School and Genoa High School. Upon completion of high school, he began working for Norfolk and Western railroad which was famous for manufacturing its own steam locomotives.
In 1951 he decided to join the United States Army to make a better life for himself. While in the army he was sent off to fight the Korean War. While fighting the war he was injured which caused him to be medically discharged form the army. In 1955 after serving his time in the army, he began his journey to New York to settle down. Soon after arriving in New York, he landed a position at Marlene Industries. They specialize in making garments. A time later he had an opportunity to obtain his own business, therefore, he took a leave of absence from Marlene to own and operate his own grocery store called B&S Grocery Store. He owned and maintained his business for eight years.
In 1955 he had the pleasure to Worship at Salem United Methodist Church. He immediately knew this was the church for him. The following year in 1956, he officially became a proud member. Chester's heart had been with Salem from the moment he joined. He was a faithful and devoted member who gave much of his time and generosity for more than 60 years.
He was involved with such ministries as the Evangelism Committee, Food Pantry, and the United Methodist Men. As an acknowledgement to his loyalty, devotion, and dedication to Salem, he was honored and presented a plaque by the Addie Penny Scholarship Aid Program, and in 1996, he was awarded the most notable and honorable award Salem had to offer. He was chosen "Man of Year". For Chester, that was the greatest accolade he could ever receive.
Chester was preceded in death by his parents Kitt and Augusta Elizabeth Stone and brother Charles Henry. Chester leaves to mourn his passing his sister Joan, brothers Earl and Gilbert, nieces and nephews: Sheila, Gilbert, Karen, Gilbert, Jr., Ronald, Sonia, Patricia, Chester, Jennifer, and Tonya; and a host of other relatives and friends, and his Salem United Methodist Church Family.
Lovingly submitted,
The Family