Obituary for Chester Thomas Florence
Chester T. Florence, 64, of Battle Creek, Michigan entered eternal rest on: Feb. 1, 2020, while in hospice care at the Calhoun County Medical Facility. He was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School, Class of 1973. His career as a mechanic started early in his teen years while working in his father’s gas station which was located on the corner of Capital and Emmett Street (now the location of a Family Video store).
Chester was a skilled vehicle detailer and restored several vintage cars for pleasure and profit. He would often repair the car of a friend and at times a stranger in need of urgent car repair sometimes paying for the parts himself. As a youngster, he attended regularly First Salem Baptist Church with his family and accepted the Lord as his personal savior.
Chester, “Chet” as he was fondly nicknamed, love to go to the racetrack with his Uncle Willie C and spend time with family and friends.
Chester was one of seven siblings born to Thomas Florence and Mamie Ruth Florence- (Peterson). His siblings are Lister B. Florence, Barbara L. Florence- Glass, Pearlie M. Florence-McNutt, Ethel Florence-Glass, Irene Florence-Jackson, Kevan D. Florence, and Nadia Florence (granddaughter-adopted).
Chester leaves behind to cherish his memory: Beloved friends Rose Porter-Miller, and Harriet Howard; children: Felicia Howard, Essence Williamson, Ike Porter, Ronnie Porter, and Mark Porter. As well as a host of nephews, nieces, beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Chester was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Florence, Jr. and mother, Mamie R. Florence.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 14, 2020, at 12:00 pm at Baxter Funeral & Cremation, 375 W. Dickman Rd. Battle Creek, with the family receiving friends 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Chester was a skilled vehicle detailer and restored several vintage cars for pleasure and profit. He would often repair the car of a friend and at times a stranger in need of urgent car repair sometimes paying for the parts himself. As a youngster, he attended regularly First Salem Baptist Church with his family and accepted the Lord as his personal savior.
Chester, “Chet” as he was fondly nicknamed, love to go to the racetrack with his Uncle Willie C and spend time with family and friends.
Chester was one of seven siblings born to Thomas Florence and Mamie Ruth Florence- (Peterson). His siblings are Lister B. Florence, Barbara L. Florence- Glass, Pearlie M. Florence-McNutt, Ethel Florence-Glass, Irene Florence-Jackson, Kevan D. Florence, and Nadia Florence (granddaughter-adopted).
Chester leaves behind to cherish his memory: Beloved friends Rose Porter-Miller, and Harriet Howard; children: Felicia Howard, Essence Williamson, Ike Porter, Ronnie Porter, and Mark Porter. As well as a host of nephews, nieces, beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Chester was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Florence, Jr. and mother, Mamie R. Florence.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 14, 2020, at 12:00 pm at Baxter Funeral & Cremation, 375 W. Dickman Rd. Battle Creek, with the family receiving friends 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.