Listen to the Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Chesley Howard Webber Sr., at the age of 96 years young in Somerset, KY, on October 15, 2026.
Born on May 22, 1930, in Pamplin, Virginia, to Herman James and Mary Thelma Bainbridge Webber, Chesley was the youngest of six children.
In 1947, at the age of 17, he joined the Navy after his mother reportedly adjusted his birth certificate to allow for early enlistment. He served with distinction for 20 years, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. 10 years later he received his 30-year Certificate of Retirement, officially retiring as a Senior Chief Builder on April 1, 1977.
While serving in the Navy, Chesley met and married Gwendolyn Carol Schaffer on July 9, 1951, in Pocahontas, AR, and they had three children: Chesley Howard Jr., Susan Lorena, and Joel Patrick. This marriage ended in Dec 1960
On March 17, 1961, he married Beverly Jeanne Anderson, welcoming her children—Gilda Lynne Anderson, Julie Marie Anderson, and Dallas Jay Anderson—into his life. Chesley and Beverly shared 55 years of marriage until her passing on December 6, 2015.
Chesley had a distinguished naval career. While serving at Grand Turk Island in 1962, he had the honor of meeting John Glenn and the Friendship 7 astronauts following their historic first orbit of the Earth. During President Kennedy’s administration, he served as Chief of the Ceremonial Guards and was on duty at the time of the President’s assassination. Additionally, his service included a tour of duty in Da Nang, Vietnam during the Viet Nam War. Throughout his time as a Navy Seabee, his military life took him to many notable locations and allowed him to develop specialized skills that he carried with him throughout his life.
Following his military retirement, Chesley began a second career as a Supervisor for R.E. Lee and Sons Construction and later worked for Wiley & Wilson Architectural and Engineering firm as a Construction Administrator. In the years after his Navy retirement, he developed a passion for RV travel. He famously purchased numerous RVs/motorhomes over the years, seeking the perfect fit, and spent many years traveling across the United States with Beverly well into their 80s.
Chesley is survived by his three children: Chesley H. Webber Jr. (Doreen) of Somerset, KY; Susan L Reames of DeSoto, KS; and Joel P. Webber of Stafford, VA. He is also survived by his stepson, Dallas J. Anderson (Sharon) of Barboursville, VA; five grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; sixteen step-great-grandchildren and one step great great grandson. He was preceded in death by his great-grandchild, Briaunna Marie Webber, in 2012. He was also preceded in death by both of his step-daughters, Gilda Anderson Gallegos in 2018 and Julie Anderson Sanford in 2011.
Details regarding a memorial service will be shared once they are finalized.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Chesley Howard Webber, Sr.