Chester Echelbarger Obituary

Chester Ray "Chet" Echelbarger

Chester Ray Echelbarger, known to friends and family as "Chet," passed away Friday, April 11, 2025, at the age of 75. Born at home in Bradner, Ohio, February 11, 1950, Chet lived a life marked by faith, hard work, a love for family, and a quick wit that endeared him to all.

He was the loving husband of Sharon LaPlant for 42 years, the two having married in July 1982. Together, they built a life rooted in shared values, laughter, and perseverance. Chet was the father of Kelly Lemmon (husband Chad) of Bowling Green; Matthew Echelbarger of Richmond, Virginia; and Angela Baxter (husband Samuel) of Wadsworth. He was grandfather to Kiana and Koebe, and great-grandfather to Zoe and Chloe.

Chet was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Hilda Echelbarger. He is survived by his siblings Paul, Mary, and Nancy, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

After high school, Chet began his career at Dean Brothers Block and Tile Company in Bradner. He soon launched E&E Masonry, his own construction company that specialized in masonry and backhoe work.

But it was in the world of auto mechanics where Chet's heart truly belonged. A skilled and passionate technician, he and Sharon owned and operated Midway Auto, a combined auto repair and carryout business in Wayne.

After selling the business in the 1980s, he continued his career as a lead technician at Jim Ferguson VW-Audi. When the dealership closed, he brought his talents to local Chrysler and Ford dealerships. Eventually, Chet returned to his entrepreneurial roots, building a 50x100-foot shop from the ground up and reopening Midway Auto Service, where he served the community for years before selling the company in 2005 to move to Wadsworth and work at the World Headquarters of The Restored Church of God.

Chet was ordained a deacon for RCG in 2002 and an elder in 2005. As a minister, he had a natural ease with people, gladly taking time to answer questions, offer encouragement, or simply listen. Years later, many still recall how uplifted they felt after speaking with him-how he truly made them feel heard. Even after a stroke in 2009, he continued serving by faithfully calling older members and offering steady support and friendship.

He was loving and hardworking-known for his sly grin, his talent with a wrench, and his ability to fix your brakes and lift your spirits in the same afternoon. He loved reading and was always curious, drawn to biographies, how-to books, and Bible history. He had a way of offering life advice that stuck, usually delivered with perfect dry humor. Known for doing things right the first time, he made a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path.

Visitation will be from 10:30-1 p.m. April 21, 2025, at Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 North Lyman Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281, followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. All who knew and loved Chet are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Restored Church of God at rcg.org/donations or Traditions Hospice, 677 Alpha Dr. Ste. H, Highland Heights, OH 44143.