Chester Smith

APACHE JUNCTION - Chester Smith passed away June 4, 2016 in his home. Chester was born in Smethport, Penn., on Aug. 23, 1931, to Clyde and Myrtle Smith. He served in the army from May 18, 1948 to April 20, 1952 in the 802nd and 803rd EAB. He retired from Ball-Foster Glass company after 35 years. He loved to race cars and was a legend in his day. He raced late model stock cars that he custom built from 1957 to 1977. He had strong faith in God and was a member of the Baptist church, he brought many men and women to the lord. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He lived in Port Allegany at 1 Smith Place for 40 years until he moved to Apache Junction in 1991. He was very talented, he built his homes he lived in, and could fix anything all the way up until his last days. He loved his Harleys too. He had a long fight with muscular dystrophy for 46 years, but we feel he won the battle because he never gave up, and he beat the odds. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Ashley; and his grandson, Zebadiah CJ (Chester James). Also survived by his daughter, Dawn Rupert; sons, Steve Smith and Doug Smith; and his late children, Terry Smith and Richard Smith. His siblings are Pauline Smith, living in Turlock, Calif.; and his late sister, Dorothy Smith. Services will be held on Friday, June 17, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Mountain View Funeral Home, 7900 East Main Street Mesa, AZ, 85207, (480) 832-2850. Also, on Saturday June 18, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the VFW in Apache Junction on Apache trail and Saguaro with lunch to follow.