Chester Studdard

Dr.Chester Ward Studdard, 94, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2020 at Gilmer Nursing and Rehab Center where he had been a resident since 2017.
Chester was born on August 4, 1925 in the small community of DeBerry, TX to Ward Six Studdard and Maude Clo (Lawless) Studdard. He grew up during the depression years in humble surroundings with many nearby aunts, uncles, and cousins in DeBerry and the nearby communities of Elysian Fields, Panola, Deadwood.
He grew up playing sandlot baseball and basketball, honing his skills for future organized school sports. Following his 9th grade year at Elysian Fields, Chester transferred to Carthage, desiring to participate in their sports program, especially baseball. He excelled in each sport. During his Jr and Sr years at Carthage High, the baseball team advanced to the state tournament, held in Dallas, TX. The Bulldogs advanced to the finals in each of those years, only to be beaten by larger high schools in the Dallas area. Chester was named All-State shortstop in his Sr year. One of his best friends and a star pitcher for the Bulldog team, was country music legend Jim (Travis) Reeves.
Chester was a veteran of the Navy, and proudly served his country from 1943-1945.
Following the war years, Chester enrolled at Texas A&M University in 1946, entering the school of Veterinary Medicine, and for all who knew him, he bled maroon. While in Vet school, he played pro baseball in the summers to help with college expenses, and played at a high enough level to consider trying out for the big leagues, but degree plans, a soon to be wedding, and consideration for a more stable career convinced him otherwise.
He graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine on June 1, 1951. Two days later he married his sweetheart, Effie Lou Walker.
Chester and Effie moved to Shreveport, La., New Braunsfels, TX, and Tyler, TX. during the first few years of his Vet practice, and a son (Dwayne) was born during that time. They moved to Gilmer, TX in June of 1954, learning that a veterinary practice was needed, and in August of that year their second son, Shane, was born.
Chester and Effie became involved in the community of Gilmer. He was a Rotarian and loved the service of Rotary and the many friends he made. In 2004 he recorded 50 years of perfect Rotary attendance. He learned to play golf after moving to Gilmer, and loved the game. Chester loved his First Methodist Church family, and being a part of the Methodist Men Ministry.
He was a passionate Gilmer Buckeye fan for all the years living in Gilmer, and attended games until his mobility digressed.
He retired from Veterinary Medicine in 1985, and sold his large/small animal practice and clinic to Dr. Cherrie Nazzal. In his retirement years, he loved working in his backyard garden and yard. An avid jogger, he ran in the Senior Masters Track and Field competition winning many events and making many friends. Golf was always on the agenda, and he continued to enjoy playing into his 80s.
Chester and Effie made many trips abroad in their retirement years. They especially loved spending time with their grandchildren. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, veterinarian, and Aggie. He will be missed.
Chester is preceded in death by his wife, Effie, and his brother, Wayne Henry Studdard.
He is survived by his sister, Betty Prior of Carthage; his oldest son and wife, Dwayne and Linda Studdard of Gilmer, and their children: Matthew Studdard, Landon Studdard, of LaMarque,Tx., Chase Studdard and wife, Briley of Richardson, TX., Charlie Bless and wife, Loren of Gilmer, and Jennifer Luster and husband, Merle of Redwater, TX., and also, his younger son, Shane Studdard and his wife, Robin Hill Studdard of Gainesville, TX., and their children: Elizabeth Slack and husband, Kent of Colorado Springs, CO, Anna Dickerson and husband, Derek of Denton, TX., Mary Stein and husband, Chris of Denton, TX, and Rachel Reeves and husband, Garret of Chicago, IL, sister-in-law Eva Koenig of Shreveport, LA.
Chester had a total of 13 great-grandchildren, with another soon to be born.
Private family graveside service will be at Mount Zion Cemetery, DeBerry, TX.
A celebration of Dr. Studdard’s life will be scheduled at a later time.
A special thank you to the Gilmer Nursing & Rehab staff for their loving care in these past 3 years, as well as to Traditions Hospice staff for overseeing daddy's final weeks of life.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/ or a church of your choice.