Chester F. Lang

Mr. Chester F. Lang of Roanoke passed away peacefully at his home at Brandon Oaks on December 4, 2016 with his family at his bedside. He was born July 6, 1921 in The Bronx, New York. His family moved to Nanuet, NY where he spent his childhood developing his love of nature. He moved several times and achieved his dream of living on the water. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, attaining the rank of Captain. He flew 25 missions and then volunteered for an additional 25. He was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart and several other medals for bravery and valor. After his discharge from the Army Air Force, he was active in the National Guard. Chester had a successful career in the paper industry, eventually becoming President of Major Paper Converters, Inc., a division of Royal Paper Corporation. He had a remarkable reputation for integrity and was admired and respected by all who worked for him. His favorite hobbies were boating, fishing and beach combing for sea shells. He was a member of the Fort Lewis Baptist Church. Chester was predeceased by his parents, Morris and Ede (Zbinden) Lang, his brother, Robert, and sister, Natalie Dunne. He is survived by his daughters Eileen Edwards and Suzanne Perry van Rijssen and her husband Rick, five grandchildren, Jennifer, Erin, Michael, Courtney and Meaghan and seven great grandchildren. Also surviving is his ex-wife, Kathleen J. Lang; and his brother-in-law, Patrick Dunne. Chester has several nieces and nephews, with special mention of Patricia McGreevey, who with her late husband John, was of great assistance to him during his last years. Funeral services will be held at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 7, 2016 with The Rev. Leonard Southern, Pastor Fort Lewis Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow with military honors in Resurrection Catholic Church Cemetery, Moneta, Virginia. His family would like to thank the staff of Brandon Oaks for their loving care, and Gentle Shepherd Hospice, especially Joanna Asselin RN, for her kindness and expertise. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Salvation Army, 4142 Melrose Avenue NW. Unit 1, Roanoke, VA 24017. Arrangements are by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home and Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive (Route 220 at Wirtz Road), Rocky Mount, Virginia. www.connerbowman.com (540) 334-5151