Chester "Chet" William Towles

Chester “Chet” William Towles, 95 of Odessa, Missouri passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Warrensburg Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 19, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church, 7995 Outer Rd., Odessa, MO, 64076. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment with military honors will be in the New Liberty Cemetery in Magnolia, MO (rural Johnson County, MO). In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Calvary Baptist Church. Memories of Chester and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.

Chet was born on October 30, 1930, in Holden, MO to Chester Clarence and Louise Elizabeth (Thies) Towles. He graduated in 1948 from Emanuel High School in Kansas City, MO. Chet was a veteran of the United States Army and earned the Army Occupation Medal while in Japan. On October 13, 1956, Chet was united in marriage to Venita Jean (Tucker) Towles in Kansas City, MO. She preceded him in death on September 12, 2010. Chet retired in 1980 from Armco Steel formerly Sheffield Steel after 30 and a half years as a machinist. After retirement he and Venita owned and operated Jaycee Ceramics. Chet was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Odessa, MO, V.F.W. Post 5675, a 70-year member of the American Legion Post 131, AMVETS Post 100, Steel Workers Union 13, and volunteered for Camp Valor. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Chet enjoyed gardening, fishing and visiting with friends.

Chet is survived by a sister, Patsy Jean Graham of Sun Lakes, AZ; a brother, James Allen Towles of Sierra Vista, AZ; two step-grandchildren, Anthony Stratton and Sabrina (Stratton) Rail; a special companion, Joy Tye of Odessa, MO; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In addition to his wife Venita Towles, father, Chester Towles and mother, Louise Estey; Chet was preceded in death by a step-son, Richard Stratton; and a sister Virgina Louise Clark.