This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Thames, Chamrad, Austin, Davis Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/plB.2ACI/3609 Message Board Post: Thames Graveside services for Chester Thames, 78, will be held 4 p.m. Friday at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Military services will be rendered by the Honor Guard of Philip H. Parker Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2438. Mr. Thames was born June 23, 1913, to John William and Willie C. Thames in Bastrop County and died April 7, 1992, at Matagorda General Hospital. Mr. Thames and his family came to Matagorda County around 1927, and he has been a lifetime resident here. He served in the Army Air Force, 488th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, during World War II. In Bay City, he worked as a carpenter, farmer and miller. He worked for the Bay City Box Factory and the I. N. Mills Lumber Co., which he purchased after Mr. Mills' death. After his health forced him out of the lumber business, he opened Thames Saw Shop, where many remember him for sharpening their saws. He was a life member of the veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2438 and a member of the American Legion Post 11 for 46 years. He was a devoted husband and a loving father. Survivors include his daughter, Susie Marie Chamrad; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Dale and Beverly Thames and Kenneth Thames; a granddaughter, Becky Austin; two stepgrandsons, Jason and Jeffrey Davis; and a brother, George Thames. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Lucille, who died Dec. 14, 1991, and by his mother and father. His family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made in his name to the Student Education Fund, Philip H. Parker VFW Post 2438, Bay City, Texas, or a charitable cause of your choice. Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers, Funeral Home, Bay City. The Daily Tribune April 8, 1999 Matagorda County, Texas