Apr 20, 2018 2 min read

Thomas A. Chess, Jr., age 85, of Richhill Twp., passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in Washington Hospital after being in declining health for the past several months.

He was born March 26, 1933 in Richhill Twp., a son of the late Thomas Allen Chess, Sr. and Flossie Edith (Scherich) Chess and had resided in Richhill Twp. all his life.

Mr. Chess was a graduate of the former Richhill Twp. High School in Wind Ridge, and was a member of the Wind Ridge Christian Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon and Elder.

He was a veteran of the Korean War where he served with the U.S. Army as a Private First Class.

He was a life member of the Waynesburg V.F.W. #4793 and also a member of the Wind Ridge American Legion Post #416. He was a member and President of Jacksonville Cemetery Board, Wind Ridge, at the time of his death. He also enjoyed hunting when in good health and watching sports on T.V.

Mr. Chess was a heavy equipment operator for PENN D.O.T. for 24 years.

On September 28, 1956 he married Sarah Ruth Fletcher, who survives.

Also surviving are, a son, Thomas A. Chess III and wife Kathy, of Richhill Twp., a daughter, Ruth Ann Yanek and husband George, of Middletown; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and one sister, Ellen Sharps, of Bethel Park.

Deceased in addition to his parents is a daughter who died in infancy.

Friends will be received on Saturday, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kesterson-Rush Funeral Home, LLC., 3275 W. Roy Furman Hwy., Rogersville. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Adam Stokes, officiating. Burial will follow in Jacksonville Cemetery with full graveside military rites under the direction of Waynesburg American Legion Post #330 and representatives of the U.S. Army.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Please view and sign the online tribute wall at www.kestersonfh.com.