Chester L. Longenberger

Chester L. Longenberger, 89, of Monroe passed away on Monday, January 9, 2017 at Adams Memorial Hospital in Decatur. He was born on June 15, 1927 in Adams County to Otto and Hattie (Laisure) Longenberger. He was married on May 10, 1959 to Carol J. Heller.

He was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church, where he played the piano and organ for 73 years and directed the hand bell choir for many years. He was a volunteer pianist at the Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne. He also played a weekly circuit at Woodcrest, Evergreen, Swiss Village, Christian Care, and Bluffton Regional. He was involved in many service clubs, the library, and many community events. He worked as a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service and retired after 30 years of service. He served his country in the United States Navy during WWII.

He is survived by his wife of Monroe; three daughters, Lisa (Tim) Deam of Wright City, Missouri; Tracy (Mark) Donaghy of Berne; and Rhoda (Dary) Hirschy of Decatur; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Landis; and Christopher, Michael, and Scherry Hirschy; and four great-grandchildren, Elijah, Kinsey, and Josiah Landis; and Annette Hirschy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth Longenberger; and two sisters, Delores Mitchel; and Ireta Jones.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 12 and one hour prior to the 10:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, January 13 at Monroe United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Pastor Char Allen. Burial will be at Ray Cemetery.

Military graveside rites will be provided by the American Legion Post #43.

Memorials may be made to the Monroe United Methodist or Child Evangelism Fellowship.

Arrangements provided by Haggard-Sefton & Hirschy Funeral Home in Decatur. To sign the guest book, click on www.hshfuneralhome.com.