01/11/2017
Joseph Chester Hindman was born on a farm in Donnelly, Iowa on July 11, 1919.
He passed away on January 11, 2017 in Roseburg, Oregon. Chet was the youngest son of seven siblings (James, Richard, Inez, Francis, Gladys, and Mary Jean) and attended high school in Knoxville and Pleasantville, Iowa, where he (and his brothers) were multi-sport athletes.
He entered the Army in 1941 just before the start of the Second World War, and later participated in the first major Allied offensive of the war; the Invasion of North Africa. He was captured by German soldiers in Algeria and spend two years in various German POW camps.
After the war, Chet returned to Iowa and married his sweetheart, June L. Rees in 1946.
Two sons, Joseph (b. 1947) and Thomas (b. 1953) completed the Hindman family. Chet worked at various jobs to support his family, but his longest was as a Nursing Aide with the VA hospital in Knoxville and Roseburg.
Chet retired from the VA in 1985 with 40 years of service. After retirement, he and June traveled throughout the US and to various overseas countries.
Chet was predeceased by his wife, June (d. 1995). He is survived by his sons Joseph, and Thomas (Fina), grandchildren; Melanie (Adam) Barnett, Sebastian (Carla) Hindman, Maria (Joe) Piatt, and Ashley Hindman; and great-grandchildren Elijah and Adela.
No service is planned, but friends are invited to stop by Chet’s house at 6576 Garden Valley Road to share stories of his life on Sunday, January 15, anytime between noon and 5:00 pm.
Chet will be inurned at the VA cemetery in Roseburg, Oregon at a future date. Chet’s family would like to thank the staff of Curry Manor for the kind and compassionate care he received in the final weeks of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center.