Chester A. "Chet" Jarrell, age 69 and a longtime resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Community Parkview Care Center in Elwood following extensive health complications and renal failure. He was born May 12, 1947 in Anderson to Ralph J. and Virginia M. (Donelly) Jarrell. Chet retired in 1982 from the Madison County Highway Department where he had worked as a dispatcher for over 20 years. Prior to that, Chet worked for the Tipton County Highway Department for 9 years. He also formerly worked as a program director for the Elwood Y.M.C.A. and, along with Clarence Young, was proud to have worked to develop the Elwood Pee Wee Baseball League. He was a 1965 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. He met the love of his life, Vickie M. Vest, at the "Tastee Freeze" at Main and 19th Streets on April 15, 1967 and they were married just months later on June 28, 1967. Chet was an amateur radio operator and, for many years, he was a storm watcher for Elwood and the surrounding areas notifying the area EMS of approaching storms. He was also a volunteer fireman with the Madison Township Volunteer Fire Department, and was a past member of the Elwood Lion's Club and the Elwood Moose Lodge. Chet enjoyed amateur radio, reading, and watching live eagles on the internet. He also enjoyed watching squirrels, finches, and hummingbirds from his favorite window. Chet will be remembered as being a loving grandpa who was very proud of all of his grandchildren. Chet's family would especially like to thank Mary Sizelove for the gentle and loving care she gave to Chet during his illness; and also thank the staff of Community Parkview Care Center and Southern Care Hospice for all their wonderful care and kindness.

Chet's family includes his wife of more than 49 years, Vickie M. Jarrell of Elwood; daughter, Christine L. (husband Jade) Crawford of Tipton; son, Steele W. (wife Amy) Jarrell of Sharpsville; 5 grandchildren, Kaelin Crawford, Caden Crawford, Cameron Crawford, Waylon Jarrell, and Parker Jarrell; father and mother-in-law, Steele & Betty Vest of Elwood; 2 sisters-in-law, Betty Vest (companion Terry Beeman) of Elwood and Judy Cabe of Chesterton; an aunt, Peggy Pearce of Florida; an uncle, Charlie Donelly of Texas; best friends, Alan Howell of Pendleton and Dave Hood of Indianapolis; and his beloved dogs, "Bear" and "Scooter". He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Chester & Idella Donelly and Warren & Hazel Carpenter; and an infant sister, Shirley Jarrell.

Chet's wishes were to have private funeral services officiated by Rev. James Judd. Burial will take place in the Elwood City Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to assist the family with funeral expenses. Online condolences may be expressed at copherfeslermay.com.