Joseph Chester Hindman

Joseph Chester Hindman was born on a farm in Donnelly, Iowa, on July 11, 1919. He passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, in Roseburg, Oregon. Chet was the youngest son of seven siblings (James, Richard, Inez, Francis, Gladys, and Mary Jean) and attended high school in Knoxville, and Pleasantville, Iowa, where he (and his brothers) were multi-sport athletes. He entered the Army in 1941, just before the start of the Second World War, and later participated in the first major Allied offensive of the war; the Invasion of North Africa. He was captured by German soldiers in Algeria and spent two years in various German POW camps.

After the war, Chet returned to Iowa, and married his sweetheart, June L Rees, in 1946. Two sons, Joseph (b. 1947) and Thomas (b. 1953) completed the Hindman family. Chet worked at various jobs to support his family, but his longest was as a Nursing Aide with the VA hospital in Knoxville and Roseburg. Chet retired from the VA in 1985, with 40 years of service. After retirement, he and June traveled throughout the US and to various overseas countries.

Chet was predeceased by his wife, June (d. 1995). He is survived by his sons, Joseph and Thomas (Fina); grandchildren, Melanie (Adam) Barnett, Sebastian (Carla) Hindman, Maria (Joe) Piatt, and Ashley Hindman; and great-grandchildren, Elijah and Adela.

No service is planned, but friends are invited to stop by Chet's house at 6576 Garden Valley Road to share stories of his life this Sunday, January 15, 2017, anytime between noon and 5:00 p.m. Chet will be inurned at the VA cemetery in Roseburg, Oregon, at a future date. Chet's family would like to thank the staff of Curry Manor for the kind and compassionate care he received in the final months of his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center.