Wendell Allen 'Wendy' Chronister

Services for Wendell Allen "Wendy" Chronister, 87, of White Oak and formerly of Gladewater, will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013, at 2 P.M. at Croley Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Michael Heim officiating. Burial will be in Gladewater Memorial Park. Born on May 9, 1926 in McClain County, Oklahoma, he died on Thursday, July 11, 2013. He was the son of Lord Harold Chronister and Eloise Barker (Sparks). He attended school in Rosedale, Oklahoma. He was a "self-made" man, having taught himself many skills. He moved to Gladewater in 1945 where he managed an appliance sales and servicing business for many years. He attended night classes at Kilgore College and graduated with honors receiving an associate"s degree. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. He served as an elder, lay pastor, and Sunday School teacher at the First Presbyterian Church in Gladewater and volunteered at events in town. Wendell was a talented award-winning wood carver and founded the East Texas Wood Carver"s Club. He spent time in Germany learning the craft with a master wood carver. In later years, Wendell was a member of the White Oak Baptist Church in White Oak. He will be remembered for his devotion to God and family. Wendell was preceded in death by his wife, Jimmie Knox; wife, Ruthanna Saer and daughter, Brenda; and wife, Betty Strawn. He is survived by his wife, Betty Chronister of White Oak; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Deanna Chronister of Arlington; 2 granddaughters, Lindsay and Jill Chronister; daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and John Williams of Lexington, Oklahoma; grandsons, Chad and Justin Wilson; step-sons, Jace and wife, Melanie, Tyner of Gladewater; Barry Cook of Gladewater; step-daughter, Dr. Bonnie Cook Cain of Waco; 7 step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and several extended family members. If so desired, memorials may be made to White Oak Baptist Church, 117 South White Oak Road, P.O. Box 415, White Oak, Texas 75693. The family would like to express their gratitude to Whispering Pines Nursing Home and Southern Care Hospice. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater