Chester Bookout

Chester May Bookout, 83, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully Aug. 31, 2015, at a local assisted living facility. Chester was born on June 2, 1932 in Chattanooga. He became a member of Concord Baptist Church following his baptism as a young child. He graduated from Tyner High School in 1950 having been a star football and baseball player. In lieu of a football scholarship or a career in minor league baseball, his Army unit, the 129th, was activated and he spent 3 years serving his country as a musician in the Army band during the Korean War. During that time he married Diane Patton Bookout and they enjoyed 64 years of marriage with two beloved children, Timothy and Rebecca. Chester was the president of Central Plumbing Company for 42 years, retiring in 1992 and spending many wonderful years crafting handmade furniture, fishing and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Lee and Ada Grace Crowder Bookout; his beloved son, Timothy Herrell Bookout; and sister, Louise Davidson. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 64 years, Diane Patton Bookout; his daughter, Rebecca Bookout Byrns; son-in-law, James Byrns; beloved grandson, Elijah Byrns; granddaughter, Elizabeth Hood; one great-grandchild, Jesse Hood; and brother, Harold R. (Peggy) Bookout. Funeral services are 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, in the chapel with interment to follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Thursday before the service. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org. Arrangements by Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, 877-3524. Visit lanefh.com to share condolences.