Chester Bearden

Chester Jerry Bearden, 86, of Toledo, Iowa, passed away on December 11, 2024 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama, Iowa. Visitation will be held at 10:00AM followed by a Service at 11:00AM led by Pastor Warren Riley.

Chester was born on August 6, 1938, in Tama, Iowa, the son of William Jesse and Violet Fern (See) Bearden. Chester graduated from Tama High School in 1956.

On August 10, 1958, Chester married Elizabeth Jane Taylor of Toledo. He worked briefly at the Tama Paper Mill. Chester became a jeweler and watchmaker and purchased Carter’s Jewelry in Toledo.

Chester became an agent for Farm Bureau Financial Services in Toledo. He later opened Bearden Insurance. Eventually Chester became a cage cashier at Meskwaki Bingo and Casino where he worked for nearly ten years. Chester had a unique talent of fixing clocks. He opened Bearden’s Clock Repair from his home.

Chester was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama. He served on the congregational council, sang in the choir, and spent time as a high school Sunday School Teacher.

Chester was a proud 22 year Cancer Survivor. He helped plan, organize, and execute many Relay For Life Events in Tama County. Chester loved to travel. He was a proud member of the Toledo-Tama Noon Kiwanis Club where he participated in many service projects for the community.

Chester always had a kind word and a hug for anyone he met. He loved people. All people. He loved a good cup of coffee and the conversation that accompanied it.

He served on the City of Toledo Zoning Commission for many years. He also loved working the election polls.

Chester is survived by Elizabeth, his wife of 66 years, Daughter Karen (Rod) See of Reinbeck, Son Steven Chester Bearden of Toledo, Granddaughter Katie (Trent) Mennenga of Wellsburg, Grandson Cody (Jenny) See of Iowa City, Great Grandchildren Teagan, Blake, Charlotte, and Allison Mennenga of Wellsburg, Brothers Charles, Fritz (Mila), Clifford (Joyce), and Clyde (Merna) Bearden, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Cecil Bearden and Carl Bearden; and sisters-in-laws, Bettie Bearden, Elva Bearden, and Mary Lynne Bearden.