Chester L. Moddrell

Our beloved Chester Leroy Moddrell passed away peacefully on September 20, 2020. Leroy was born in Gage, Oklahoma on January 20, 1919 and enjoyed 101 years of a life lived well. In 1921 his family moved by horse and buggy to land outside of Carmen, Oklahoma where the family farmed wheat and raised cattle. During his youth he worked with others using harvesting equipment pulled by mules on farms as far north as Nebraska. As a very young man he worked in Los Angeles as a bicycle messenger.

In 1940 he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was stationed in Puerto Rico, St. Croix V.I. and Aruba prior to WW II. During the war he served in England, France, Belgium, and the airlift in Germany. During this time while on a three day leave in 1942, he met and married his lifelong wife Anna Louise Edwards. Following the war, they enjoyed many adventures while he was stationed at Barksdale AFB - LA., Vance AFB - CA., Anderson AFB - Guam, Fairchild AFB – WA., Bergstrom AFB – TX. and as an ROTC Instructor at LSU in Baton Rouge, LA. He retired from active duty in 1961.

Leroy went on to serve another 22 years for The Department of Defense in the Civil Service. During this time, he worked at Dyess AFB – TX., Bergstrom AFB – TX., Kadena AFB - Okinawa, Kelly AFB - TX. and at Northrup Aerospace in Falls Church VA. and Los Angeles CA. He retired from civil service in 1982.

He enjoyed 38 years of retirement in Austin, Smithville, Rosanky and San Marcos. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing with family and friends.

Leroy is proceeded in death by his parents Chester and Lealyea Moddrell, sisters Myrtle and Elmerine and his wife Louise Moddrell.

He is survived by children Nancy Kenerly, Debbie Ruff and husband Rick and Bobby Moddrell. Also considered family, Charlie Thompson, and April Welch.

Grandchildren: Robbie Smith and husband Chuck, Whitney Kenerly, Dana Ruff and husband Spencer Dean, McClain Ruff and wife Liz, Lainey Holland and husband Cory, Clay Kennard and wife Brianne, Brett Kennard and wife Mandi, Noah Moddrell and Heydi Almenares.

Great-grandchildren: Charly Smith Fulp and husband Grayson, Chaz Smith, Lorali Heath, Harper Holland, Nash Holland, Koufax Dean, Caleb Kennard, Brodie Kennard, Kayleigh Kennard, Kendal Kennard, and Kelsey Kennard.

Throughout his life, Leroy was surrounded by love. His family is especially grateful for three special friends who showed such love and support during the last years of his life: Sandi Gray who was his own special angel whom he loved dearly and Jed Johnson and Bill Lucas who soothed his body and soul with their beautiful music and caring support. In addition, the family is beyond grateful for the exemplary care provided by Heart to Heart Hospice of San Marcos, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1523 Old Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, TX 78666. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29 at Thomason Funeral Home. A virtual service will take place as well. For more information and to sign the online registry, please visit thomasonfuneralhome.com.