Deacon Larry Charles Chesteen, Sr.

Reflection Of Life

Larry Charles Chesteen, Sr. of Dunnellon, gained his heavenly wings on September 20, 2023. He was born on March 4, 1943, to the ate Lofty and Easter Chesteen of Dunnellon.  Larry graduated from Booker T. Washington High School of Inverness, Florida in 1964 where he played football and basketball . Larry also won the Florida Power Corporation Essay Contest in 1964.

After graduation Larry served in the Army from May 1964 to May 1970. He was a 2^nd class Gunner with M-60 machine gun. During his career he earned his driver’s badge; qualified as a M-14 rifle sharpshooter; and marksman with the 45 pistol. He served in the Panama Canal Zone and also earned his good conduct medal.

After his service in the military Larry returned back to Dunnellon where he met and fell in love with his wife. Leola Lillie Pearl Chesteen of 57 years.  They were married April 22, 1966, in Inverness, Florida and were with each other through all of life’s ups and downs. Larry  and Lillie would go on and have four children : Larry Chesteen, Jr., Laytona Chesteen, Delrio Chesteen, and Sandra Collins. Larry was a wonderful and devoted father, husband, and leader.  He was employed by the Precision Plant, Florida Power and then Silver Spring Shores Attraction Park of Ocala for 26 years.

Larry was ordained as a Deacon in June 1969 at New Second Bethel Baptist Church for 54 years under the leadership of Reverend Jesse Brooks and 15 years(since 2008) at Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Eric Cummings and Reverend Jamie Gilmore.  

Larry is preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

He leaves to cherish his memories,

A Loving dedicated wife; Lillie Pearl Chesteen, Four children: Deacon Larry Chesteen, Jr.(Deborah), Laytona Chesteen(Marques), Delrio Chesteen(Santresa) and Sandra Collins. Four brothers: Lindsey Chesteen)Peggy, Clinton Chesteen(Deloris), Leroy Chesteen(Sheila), Lamar Chesteen(Kim); Two sisters: Annie Mae Nunnally(James), and Sarah Davis. One aunt: Azulla Hannibel and One uncle: Clinton Burns;  One sister-in-law, Regina Collins of El Paso Texas; Four grandchildren: Courtney Kaham(Shanta), DeAnna Chesteen, Kelsey Chesteen and James Chesteen; Ten great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren , A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends. Close friends and Confidants: Shirley Jackson, Deacon Alvin Nelson, Deacon Tommie Murphy, and Deacon Robert Earl McIntyre.

Larry always taught us to stay encouraged and never give up on any of our accomplishments and difficulties. He also was an avid Green Bay Packer Fan for Life.