Michael Joseph Chester, age 43, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at his home after a courageous fight with cancer. A native of New Orleans, he has lived in Montz all of his life. A self-employed owner —operator of Chester’s Services LLC, he has owned his heavy equipment and dump truck service since his 1984 graduation from Destrehan High School.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years, Renee Chester. One daughter, Sarah Chester and two sons, Corey and Jeremy Cousins. His baby girl “puppy” Miley. One brother, Robert “Bobby” Chester and his wife, Wendy and sister, Vicki Braud and her husband, Clark. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. Mother-in-law: Yvonne Montz. Two sisters-in-law: Judy Toups and her husband, Allen and Norma Jean Montz. Brother-in-law: Robert Montz.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert Ray Chester and Santa Mae Calcagno. Grandparents: Samuel and Loney Calcagno. Maddie, his golden retriever

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the H. C. Alexander Funeral Home in Norco and will continue on Thursday, June 11, 2009, from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Terry Becnel officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Charles Borromeo Mausoleum in Destrehan.

After graduation from high school, he worked to build his own business and was successful in attaining a reputation for his honesty, self-determination, work ethics and dedication his family.

A special thanks to those who supported Michael after the loss of his parents at an early age and those who supported him throughout his life and the battle he had with cancer.

An education fund will be set up at Capital One Bank for Sarah to attend college and fulfill the dreams of her father.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of H. C. Alexander Funeral Home in Norco.

Family and friends are invited to send their condolences and thoughts to: www.mem.com