On February 27, 2023, at home surrounded by his family, Chester Browning peacefully passed away. He was 92 years old and resided in Lexington, KY. Chester and Ruby raised their daughters, Debbie (Danny Maynard) of Lexington, KY, and Jan (Pat Wright) of Yakima, WA, in Chapmanville, WV, before moving to Haverhill, MA, in 1985 and retiring to Lexington, KY, in 1995.

They have 3 grandchildren, Charity Maynard Jones (Jay) of Canyon Country, CA, Zachary Wright of Los Angeles, CA, and Josh Wright of Fresno, CA, who blessed them with 2 great granddaughters, Penelope James Wright age 7 and Fiona Eliot Wright age 3.

Chester was born on March 24, 1930, to Miles and Winnie (McNeeley) Browning in Harts Creek, WV. He was preceded in death by his lifelong partner and loving wife, Ruby (Cline) Browning. He had 13 siblings who also preceded him in death, Herman Browning, Hettie Browning Manns, Milton Browning, Roy Browning, Laura Browning, Paul Browning, Fred Browning, Bo Browning, Nell Browning Morgan, Ercil Browning, Hassie Browning Cline, Doris Browning Nida, Marvin Browning. And many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Chester was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served during the Korean War. He worked at Amherst Coal Company for 27 years. He owned his own construction business for 10 years. He and Ruby then relocated to New England where he was Maintenance Director for Whittier Rehabilitation facility.

Chester served his community as Mayor of Chapmanville from July 1979-1982. He also served as a City Council Member.

Early in their marriage the Chapmanville Church of God became central to their lives. They raised their girls to work alongside them in whatever they were doing. They were faithful members for 30 years, serving as Church Clerk, Adult & Young Adult Sunday School teacher, VBS Coordinator and General Contractor for the new church building. By their example, their daughters developed a love for ministry and God.

Chester with Ruby by his side, served the local church as leaders, Associate Pastors of the Ayer Church of God, Ayer, MA and Associate Pastors Liberty Worship Center, Lexington, KY. Additionally, they served as Interim Servicemen Center Directors in Panama City, Panama, Wurzburg, Germany and Augsburg, Germany.

Chester had a gift with people. He was always teaching with his actions and love. He was a tremendous father and relished being a grandfather. He could build, fix, and repair anything. He had a sharp wit and sense of humor. He could see the humor in almost anything. If you knew him, you’ve probably had a cup of coffee with him, or three. He loved the Lord, and he devoted his life to helping others love Him too. As his family, we knew we were loved and valued every day of his life.

A Memorial will be held in Lexington, KY at the Old Paris Road Church of God on March 9th, 2023. Visitation will begin at 6:00 pm and Memorial at 7:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Evans Funeral Home in Chapmanville, WV on March 28, 2023. Visitation at 5:00 pm followed by the Service at 6:00 pm, officiated by his sons, Dan Maynard and Pat Wright.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Evans Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Chapmanville, WV.