Celebration of Life: Chester Ray Reaves, May 16, 1948 – December 10, 2024

Amy Evans.

Chester Ray Reaves.

Chester Ray Reaves was born May 16, 1948 in Porum, Oklahoma to parents, William and Julie Reaves. He passed peacefully at his home from this earthly life to his eternal life with his lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Dec. 10, 2024 in Tehachapi. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones who will miss him greatly.

He enjoyed time spent with his family, especially with his boys, camping, barbeques, fishing and teaching them the importance of living a healthy productive life, filled with love for God, love for others, fun and hard work. In 1968, he was called to three years of service for our Country in the U.S. Army. He served one of those years in Vietnam. In 1971, he came home to start a life with family and friends.

Chester and his bride Carolyn moved to Tehachapi where they continued to live for 52 years. He was a volunteer deputy for the Kern County Sheriff's office, he worked for California Portland Cement Company for 42 years where he held several positions in many departments ending his term there as a leader for his department as an electrician. After retirement on Dec. 31, 2012, he spent much of his time with his grandsons being a grandpa, father and husband. This was the joy of his life. He served his community by being a school crossing guard, which he took very seriously. He made many friends and enjoyed the children given to his care. He felt very grateful for this opportunity. He served his Lord and his church in any way he was able to and loved spending time with his church family. He was grateful and blessed for all the love and prayers shown to him by our church family, wonderful neighbors, friends and loved ones, during his illness, and all the visits once he came home on hospice care.

Chester is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and five sisters. Chester is survived by his love and wife of 57 years Carolyn Reaves, the light of his life his daughter Rebecca Sutton, son-in-law Jeff Sutton, grandsons Connor and Max Sutton – who made his life complete, Jeff's parents Ron and Jan Sutton, also many in-laws, nieces and nephews. He loved everyone so very much.

Never forgotten and greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 10 at Tehachapi Church of the Nazarene, 19016 Highline Rd., Tehachapi.

Military Honors Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 10 at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, California. All are welcome.

Wood Family Funeral Service is in Charge of arrangements.