Chester "Chet" Keely

May 18, 1925 - August 6, 2008

Chester L. “Chet” Keely, 83, formerly of 1810 Story Street in Boone, passed away at the Easter Star Masonic Home in Boone on Friday evening, August 1, 2008. He had been a resident at the Home since March of this year. He was born on May 18, 1925 in Carroll, Iowa the son of Chester and Bessie (Lundy) Keely On July 28, 1946, he married Dorothy Wright at the Baptist Church parsonage in Boone. During World War II, Chet served with the Merchant Marines on the Fairfax and Creighton Victory and recieved his honorable discharge in July of 1945. Chet owned and operated the Dixie Cream Shop, a local bakery from 1949 until 1954. He later purchased the Tip Top Sandwich Shop, which he operated until 1968. For 22 years, he was employed by the Boone School District in the maintenance department. Chet liked to play bingo, cards, work in his garden and especially enjoyed cooking. He was a member of the Augustana Lutheran Church and the American Legion. His parents, wife Dorothy in December of 1991, 1 brother Charles, and 3 sisters Gertrude, Ruth and Katherine preceded him in death. Survivors include 3 sons David Keely and wife Leslie of West Des Moines, Daniel Keely of Boone and Matthew Keely and wife Julie of Boone; 3 granddaughters Stacy Keely of West Des Moines, Lisa Keely of Omaha, Nebraska and Katy Keely of Hollywood, California; 1 grandson Ryan Keely of Boone; 2 sisters Lila Pritchard of Boone and Arlene Stanton of Orlando, Florida; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Wednesday morning, August 6th at 10:00 a.m. at the Stark-Welin Chapel in Boone with Pastor Daniel Solomon officiating. Interment with full military honors and flag presentation by the Veterans Council of Boone will in the Bass Point Cemetery north of Boone. Friends may call at the Stark-Welin Chapel in Boone on Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. to greet friends. Visitations will continue on Wednesday morning from 8:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial may direct their memorial to the Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone.