Chester Buford Hales

Chester Buford Hales
Chester Buford Hales

Chester Buford Hales, 71, of Claude, TX passed away on December 3, 2020.

A public viewing will be held for friends from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Monday, December 7, 2020, at Boxwell Brothers in Claude, TX, 200 Parks.  A memorial will be held at a later date.

Chester was born in Tulia, TX on January 28, 1949, to Joe and Billie. He lived in Canyon, TX until the 8th grade. He graduated from Claude High School in 1967. He then attended West Texas State University in Canyon for 3 years and then he went home to work on the farm in Claude, TX.  Chester married his wife of 48 years, Linda Clewis, in June of 1972 in Amarillo, TX. They lived in Gruver, TX until December of 1973 and then moved to Claude where he worked for S&S Plow Co.  Chester then became part-owner with his dad Joe at Flea Market Antiques, which he owned for over 45 years.  He retired from the antique business in 2017 to spend more time with his family.  At that time, he also began farming south of Claude.  During his earlier years, he showed registered Angus and registered Shorthorn cattle. He was active in Armstrong County 4-H for 35 years and was member of FFA during his youth.  Chester was an avid fisherman and made his own fishing lures. He built and sold Ouggie Baits with his son, Cory for many years.  Chester was a member of Golden Spread Bass Club and fished many tournament trails with his kids.  Chester’s family has a long history of livestock show participation, including his family growing up, his children and his grandchildren. Chester never met a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his son, Cory Hales; sister, Sherry Hales Welch; his parents; and brothers-in-law, Jack Meathenia and Harry Wood.

Survivors include his wife Linda Hales, of the home; daughter, Tiffany Blandford and husband James, of Claude, TX, and Leslie Miller and husband Marc, of Justin, TX; sisters, Peggy Meathenia, of Claude, TX, and Jean Wood, of Claude, TX; four grandchildren, Jayden ‘Jaybird’ Blandford, Lexi ‘Red’ Blandford, Addie Miller, and Mason Miller; and numerous other family and close friends.

The family suggests memorials be to Armstrong County 4-H and Claude EMS.

The family will be at 401 Hermosa in Claude.

10 Replies to “Chester Buford Hales”

  1. Linda, Ouggie will be missed so much. Have a lot of fond memories from the younger years. He has gone on to be with Cory in a better place. Tell the funny stories to the Grandkids our Prayers and Love are with you all.
    Rod Hales

  2. Linda, your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time of loss. Deepest condolences.

  3. What an amazing angel Heaven has gained. Love you very much! Cannot thank you enough for being there for me with Aunt Linnie when I was young and didn’t know I needed you. You’re a very special person. Love you forever!

  4. I will never forget the friendship I had with Chester and the time we shared together as friends. Chester will be missed by those who knew him, but never forgotten.
    To the family, Shirley and I love each of you very much and may God’s Peace and Comfort touch each of you.
    Your Friend
    Roy Landry

  5. Sincere condolences to Linda, his girls and those special grandkids that he was always so proud of. As he so often told me, “They are purdy, just like me.”
    Also praying for peace for his two sisters.
    He was the closest to a brother I had. Life goes on; but sadly, without his brutally honest opinions tempered by that loving smile, it will never be the same.
    Rest well my dear friend. You will be missed.

  6. Linda, I am so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss, my heart is so saddened for you and I am praying that the Lord will hold you tight and give you strength and peace and to feel the love all around you 🙏🙏🙏

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