Chester Kearse Obituary

Chester Manning Kearse Sr. FAIRFAX, SC - Chester M. Kearse Sr. of Fairfax, SC, departed his earthly life peacefully on May 27, 2023, at the age of 96. Chester was born on February 9, 1927, to his parents, Lozelle DeMolliens Kearse and Wilbur Manning Kearse, in the veneer mill community of Schofield in southern Bamberg County. As a youngster, Chester spent his youth during the depression years hunting and fishing with family and friends in the Big Salkehatchie swamp and surrounding uplands. After graduation from Olar High School and upon turning 18 years of age, Chester joined the US Army and served in the closing days of WWII as a MP at Regimental Headquarters near Pisa, Italy. He was specifically chosen for MP duty during basic training at Fort Dix due to his superior marksmanship and impeccable adherence to the military dress code. Upon a welcomed discharge after cessation of hostilities with the Japanese Empire, Chester attended Clemson College studying pre-forestry under Dr. Lehotsky with eventual transfer to the University of Georgia where he graduated with a B.S. in Forest Management. After graduation, Chester worked for the SC Forestry Commission as a management forester in the Camden District. He was the 100th Registered Forester in the state of SC holding license #100 throughout his long career. In June of 1955, Chester married Ethel Amelia Loadholt of Allendale County and soon thereafter joined his brother Harold in the family hardwood veneer business known as Kearse Manufacturing Company. Over the next 40 years he supervised hardwood timber procurement, logging operations, and forestland management. Chester was active in the Society of American Foresters at the chapter level and attended numerous national conventions. He was a former councilman of St. Nicholas Lutheran Church and served on various church committees throughout the years. Chester was predeceased by his wife, Ethel Loadholt Kearse; son, Jonathan D. Kearse Sr.; stepson, Richard Kearse; grandson, Jonathan Kearse Jr.; and granddaughter, Shellie Kearse Barker (Jake). He is survived by his wife, June McMillan Kearse; son, Chester Kearse Jr. (Tracey); stepdaughter, Cindy Segars (Tim); grandson, William M. Kearse; step-grandchildren, Richard S. Kearse (Laura), William S. Kearse (Ashleigh), Lauren S. McGuinn (Derek), Allison B. Penick (Rayce), Kinsey Bird; and 5 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 31st, at St. Nicholas Lutheran Church in the Jenny's community of Allendale County. The Reverend Miho Yasukawa and the Reverend Gary Loadholdt officiating. Honorary Pall Bearers are Charles Cox, Coleman Loadholt, Ernest Loadholt, Jimmy Main, Raymond Main, COL Wilbur Milhous ret., and Tim Segars. Pall Bearers are Jake Barker, Cody Getridge, Marc Loadholt Jr., Vance Miller Loadholt, Rayce Penick, and Jason Zettler. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Nicholas Lutheran Church at PO Box 68, Fairfax, SC 29827. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston