Crawfordsville – Chester 'Chet' Risner, age 88, died following a lengthy illness in his home, 3:10 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2013 surrounded by his family. Chet was born in Wingate, December 31, 1924, son of the late Hardin and Maranda Brewer Risner. He married Mary Marie Bishop, she preceded him in death. On August 31, 1976 he married Kay Hardesty Brann in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida, and she survives.
Chet attended Wingate High School and on turning 18 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving three years and he was incredibly proud of his military service. Following his honorable discharge, Chet returned to Wingate and began his career with the railroad. He began with the old Nickle Plate Rail Road as a Foreman in the Wingate depot and retired as a foreman from the Frankfort rail yard for Norfolk & Western.
Chet was a Lifetime Member of the Crawfordsville American Legion and VFW, he had been a member of the former Wingate American Legion Post. Chet had an enormous love for his family. His generosity, compassion and kindness were well known. He was considered a Gentle Giant. He was a huge Nascar fan and enjoyed watching old westerns on TV ,and collected John Wayne items. He had been involved in 'fast pitch' softball and was a great pitcher.
Surviving along with his wife Kay, are: a daughter, Sally Jo (Mark) Fruits, Wingate. Two granddaughters, Mandy Fruits and Mindy (Josh) Kerns. Three great-grandchildren: Emma & Robbie Lyons and Jackson Fruits. A sister, Emma Crissman and a brother , Ray Risner both of Crawfordsville. Four Step children: Becky (Rob) Malone of New Market, Brenda (Steve) Waite of Jamestown, Jana Malone and Jim Bob Brann both of Crawfordsville. Step-grandchildren Ashley, Nikki, Robbie Lee, Maranda, Tisha, Jamie, Natalie, Nicholas, Squire and Keegan. Eight step great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Sena Hays, brothers Hardin Risner Jr. Lee Risner, William Risner and Jerry Risner.
Chet's family will greet guests 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Monday, December 23, 2013 at Family & Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, funeral services will follow at 3:30 Monday, with Pastor Duane Mycroft officiating, burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. Military honors by Crawfordsville American Legion & VFW Posts. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Chet Risner family to offset expenses with envelopes available at the funeral home. Visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to leave a condolence or share a memory.