Ray Dean Chesnut

Ray Dean Chesnut, the son of Merle and Cecil (Keith) Chesnut, was born August 6, 1934, at his parents’ home south of Adair, Iowa and died January 25, 2022, at his home in rural Audubon County, Iowa at the age of 87 years, 5 months, and 19 days.
Ray was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church in Adair, Iowa. He attended rural schools in Adair County then graduated from the Adair High School. Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955. During his tour of duty he was stationed stateside and was with the artillery division. Ray was honorably discharged in 1957 and returned home to help operate the family farm.
On April 7, 1957, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Bireline at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church northwest of Adair. They were blessed with four children Melodie, Dean, Deanna, and Danny. They purchased their present farm in rural Adair, Iowa on the Audubon County line. They grew row crops and raised livestock for many years until Ray retired from farming. In addition to farming Ray and Marilyn sold insurance for Greeley Mutual agency even after they retired from farming. During retirement Ray did various odd jobs. Marilyn died August 31, 2017. Ray has continued to enjoy his country home.
Ray was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church northwest of Adair. Ray and Marilyn were very active on the Board of directors for Greeley Mutual. Marilyn loved to fish and Ray was very supportive of her many excursions. They also loved to travel. Ray really enjoyed maintaining his property, but most of all his passion was being involved in the many activities of his children, grandchildren, and his great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death was his wife Marilyn Chesnut; his daughter Melodie Rubel; his grandson Aaron Rubel; his parents; his sister C. Claire Chesnut; and his brothers Keith Chesnut, John Chesnut, Melvin Chesnut, Lyle Chesnut, Don Chesnut, and Larry Chesnut.
Survivors include his children: Dean and wife Shirley Chesnut of Casey, Iowa; Deanna Chesnut and spouse Rhonda Hockney of Adair, Iowa, and Danny and wife Rhonda Chesnut of Olathe, Kansas; his grandchildren Ashley and husband Ben Sponsler of Ankeny, Iowa, Saydee and husband Ryan Vogel of Olathe, Kansas, Claire Chesnut and Emma Chesnut both of Casey, Iowa; his great grandchildren Bradly, Jasper, and Ella Sponsler all of Ankeny, Iowa, and Haylee Vogel of Olathe, Kansas; his brother Dale and wife Marlene Chesnut of Elkader, Iowa, sister-in-law Shirley Chestnut of Adair, Iowa, his son-in-law Monte Rubel of Atlantic, Iowa; his brother-in-law James and wife Jean Bireline, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Private funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Leon Hodges at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church northwest of Adair. Interment will be in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery north of the Church. The casket bearers will be Dean Chesnut, Danny Chesnut, Bradly Sponsler, Jasper Sponsler, Monte Rubel, Steve Bireline, Kirk Mackrill, and Kevin Chesnut.