Chester Wilbert Rathbun

Chester W. Rathbun, 88 years, of Bryan, Ohio, died at 10:25 a.m. on Sunday, April 15, 2007, in his residence. A WW II Navy veteran, Chester was the owner of Chet’s Auto-Electric in Bryan for 26 years, retiring in 1986. He began his career as an engineer for the Pittsburgh Steamboat Company. He then went to work at Main Auto Supply in Toledo, prior to serving his country in the Navy. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Bryan, Ohio, the Bryan Lions Club, where he served as a Past-President and was also a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was a member of the Bryan Moose Lodge #1064 and the Bryan Masonic Lodge #215. Chester W. Rathbun was born on March 31, 1919, in Ubly, Michigan, the son of Howard and Mildred (Weitzel) Rathbun. He married Lillie E. Richter on February 19, 1944, in Toledo, Ohio, and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, Lynn (Bonnie) Rathbun, of Ithaca, New York, and Dennis (Vicki) Rathbun, of Bryan; four grandchildren, Nathan and Natalia Rathbun, of Ithaca, New York, Cole Rathbun of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Brooke Rathbun, of Bryan; two brothers, Gerald (Nancy) Rathbun, of Fletcher, North Carolina, and Allan (Beverly) Rathbun, of Perry Ohio; four sisters, Arlene (Gilbert) Regentin, of Ubly, Michigan, Ruth (Robert) Knoll, of Bad Axe, Michigan, Mary Ellen Vatter, of Ubly, Michigan, and Iola (Harry) Strauss, of Laveen, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Keith Rathbun. Memorial services for Chester W. Rathbun will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2007, in First Lutheran Church, 210 North Cherry Street, Bryan, Ohio, with Pastor Richard Franks officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Saturday, at the church. Arrangements by Krill Funeral Service, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan, Ohio. Memorials in the name of Chester W. Rathbun may be given to First Lutheran Church, 210 North Cherry Street, Bryan, Ohio, Lion’s Sight First Foundation or to the Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorder Program Fund #321275, C/O Medical University of Ohio Foundation, 1111 Research Drive, Toledo, Ohio 43614.