Chester Polley

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Chester Carl Polley, age 82, of Oswego, KS passed peacefully on October 19 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin MO with family at his side. He was received into heaven by his loving Savior, Jesus Christ.

Carl was born on January 1, 1943, in Ozark MO to parents Chester Howard and Hazel Irene Polley. He was the only boy in a family of seven children.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister Rosalyn Becker; and brothers-in-law Edwin Payne, Howard Cole and Jerry Jackson.







He leaves behind five sisters-- Marilyn Pond and Roma Cole, Oswego KS ; Linda Jackson, Joplin Mo; Joy Harlin, Redington Shores FL; Bonna Gay Bays, Stillwater OK; brothers-in-law Jim Harlin, Dale Bays, and Everett Becker.

He is survived by many nieces and nephews, among them is Debbie Smith of McCune KS with whom he had a special bond because she was born on his birthday. It is no secret that Debbie holds the fond distinction of being Carl’s favorite niece.

Carl graduated from Labette County Community High School in 1960 where he excelled in shop and mechanics classes. Shortly after graduation he began working as a farmhand, following the harvest into northern Kansas and Iowa.

Throughout his lifetime Carl became known and respected as a skilled jack-of-all trades. He was an excellent mechanic, a gifted craftsman, and a creative handyman who could build or repair almost anything. It gave Carl great satisfaction to lend his skills to help family, friends and neighbors.

Carl’s family knew him as a sturdy guy with a tender heart. While his mother Hazel was living, Carl honored her with a corsage to wear to church every Easter and Mother’s Day. He also found great pleasure in sending greeting cards to his family and close friends. They could always count on receiving a birthday and Christmas card in the mail with something humorous in a hand-written note or an original poem.

Carl will be sorely missed. A Celebration of Life will be held by the immediate family at a country church near Ozark, MO.