Jack E. Chesnut of Grandview, MO died on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at home.
Jack was born on January 10, 1936 in Greeley, Colorado to Byron and Lettie Chesnut. Raised on a farm in La Salle, Colorado, Jack went to a one-room schoolhouse. He graduated high school in Greeley in 1953 where he met Janet Kliewer during his senior year. Jack began his studies in college but became more fascinated with a love of flying. He flew a crop duster and became a flight instructor.
On March 13, 1957 Jack married Janet Kliewer in Greeley, Colorado.
Jack enrolled in the Colorado State College Air Force ROTC. He was commissioned to serve in the United Stated Air Force in 1960 and the couple moved to Florida where Jack entered flight school. Due to a heart condition, Jack was no longer eligible to fly. He moved into Atlas Missile training and from there went into Aircraft Maintenance. Throughout his distinguished Air Force career, Jack served in a variety of leadership roles under Strategic Air Command. Jack received honorable retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years of service.
While in the Air Force, Jack also received his MA in Counseling in 1974. From there he took seminary classes and became an ordained pastor. Jack spent the remainder of his life serving people as a Biblically-based counselor.
Jack’s two greatest joys in life were his Savior, Jesus Christ, and his family. Jack’s life and legacy of faithful service to Jesus Christ is celebrated by his wife, Janet of 60+ years; his children John (Kelly) Chesnut and Judy (Tim) Barrett; his grandchildren: Melissa (Sam), Rachel (Justin), Christopher (Kelly), Megan, Jacob, David, Allison, Joshua, Nathan and Aaron; his great-grandchildren: Rory and Aidan and one more on the way; and his niece, Janalee.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 22nd at 10:00 am at Longview Funeral Home, 12700 S Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO 64149. A private family interment will follow at Higginsville Veterans Cemetery.