A memorial service is planned Friday morning for Chester “Chet” Neiswender, whose family shares this remembrance:

Chester E. Neiswender, 1/29/1925-11/25/2014

Chester (Chet) E. Neiswender passed quietly November 25, 2014. He leaves his loving family: Wife, Mary; stepchildren: Nancy McCreery, Rick Gay, Janine Cox; 8 wonderful grandchildren; and 5 beautiful great grandchildren. Chet is also survived by 3 sisters: Evelyn, Ester and Marji, who all had numerous children. Chet had 8 biological children, 11 biological grandchildren, and several biological great grandchildren.

Chet was a WWII veteran, driving big trucks like amphibious vehicles where he helped get soldiers onto the beach from the landing crafts at Okinawa, Japan, and the Philippine Islands. He was still in touch with a friend in Connecticut, the last surviving war buddy. We will all miss the wonderful stories from those exciting ,and sometimes horrifying, times.

Born in Hobart, WA, Chet was a lifelong resident of King County. He was a veritable wealth of historical information.

He loved the Pacific Northwest and was an adventurer at heart, which led him on adventures all over the world. Chet worked in the construction business most of his life. He worked on many interesting projects all over the country. His career ended with the Ironworkers Union, where he received a pension to carry he and Mary into their golden years.

He had a soft spot for the unfortunate and was involved in numerous charities. He contributed hundreds of hours of sweat equity to Habitat For Humanity. He had been involved in Boy Scouts of America, YMCA and many church projects.

Our family and circle of friends will sorely miss Chet’s love of old songs and stories. His knowledge encompassed many fields of expertise and we all sought his technological advice. His knowledge, humor and love will live on.

Services for Chet will be held on December 19, 2014 at 11:00 am at Yarington’s Funeral Home, 10708 16th Ave. SW.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)