Dec. 1, 1918 — July 14, 2008

Chester R. Sams, 89, of Lebanon died Monday, July 14, at his home due to complication from lung cancer.

Chester was born in Dogden, N.D., to Zaccheus and Effa Mae (Webster) Sams. He married Ruth A. Estep on Sept. 22, 1949 in Hagerstown, Md.

Chester was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was known for his generosity and hard work. Chester worked at many different professions throughout his life. During World War II he worked as a welder in the Keizer Shipyards on Liberty ships. Then moving to Stockton, Calif., he worked as a gravedigger. At different times of his life he traveled with various carnival shows, at one point he had his own reptile exhibit. After starting a family he put himself through vocational training in 1955 for appliance repair. He had worked at Stockton Appliance in Stockton, Calif., for many years eventually becoming the owner.

Along with his family he relocated to Lebanon where again he had a small appliance repair shop. He eventually retired but continued to work from his home until his death. He had always been considered the best appliance repairman where ever he resided.

Chester was a member at Grant Street Church of Christ in Lebanon. His hobbies included woodworking, making doll furniture, gardening traveling, appliance repair, spending time with family and helping others.

Chester is survived be his wife, Ruth of Lebanon; sons Kenneth of Vancouver, Wash., Randall of Battleground, Wash., and Wesley of Lebanon; daughters Nancy Parks of Bend and April Kinzer of Tangent; sister Pearl Kalstrom of Sisseton, S.D.; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Johnny, Webster, Harry, Alvin and Clyde; and sisters Gladys, Nettie and Joyce.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Grant Street Church of Christ.