Chester Porter Hancock

CHESTER PORTER "CHET" HANCOCK Chester Porter Hancock, son of Thomas Chester and Millie Myrtle Wells, was born, February 17, 1931 in Doniphan, Missouri. He departed this life, Monday, July 16, 2007, in St. John's Hospital, Springfield, Missouri at the age of seventy-six years, four months and twenty-nine days. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Cherie Lewis; three sisters, Katherine Webb, Inez Beck and Lily Ruth Hancock and a brother, John Hancock. Survivors include a sister, Polly Lambirth of Camdenton, Missouri and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Chet was raised in Doniphan, Missouri and graduated from high school there in the class of 1949. After graduation he completed two semesters of college at Southern Baptist College. He then served his country proudly in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict. After he was honorably discharged, he attended University of Houston where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. His first jobs were with American Insurance Company and Vita Craft Corporation. A friend encouraged him to try a job in radio because he had a good voice. He started part-time with WTAW radio in Bryan-College Station, Texas in 1960, which eventually led to a full-time career in radio that spanned over twenty-nine years. He met and interviewed many people including, Michael Reagan, Texas Governor John Connelly, Roy Rogers, Elvis Presley, Glen Ford, Johnny Mathis, Angie Dickinson, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. and Casey Kasem. He received a gold commendation medal from President Ronald Reagan. After retirement he moved to Lebanon in 1989. He organized a gospel group called the VJ's and did numerous performances. He also delivered meals for the home meals through the Hughes Senior Center. He made a profession of faith in Christ at the age of nineteen and followed the Methodist faith throughout his life. In his spare time he enjoyed many hobbies. He was a collector of antique radios, watches and autographed photos and other memorabilia from his radio days. He would sing for anyone who would listen and often performed at senior centers. He was a wealth of information, especially when it came to Baseball statistics. He enjoyed going to flea markets and garage sales. Chet was a loving and caring person to his family and many friends. We celebrate his life and will miss him greatly.