Wilbert John “Bill” Chesbro was born October 5th 1920 in Hollywood, California and passed away May 27th, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 101. Bill led a rich and joyous life. Born prematurely, he was literally placed in a shoebox and the birth certificate read “Baby Boy Chesbro”. But as Bill proved over and over, he could overcome anything. At 16 Bill joined the National Guard and went into the army when WWII broke out. With Army Ranger Training, he was stationed in The Pacific: Hawaii, Guadalcanal, and The Philippines where he served in communications.
After the war, he met his wife Betty (Elizabeth Lorenz) while waiting for a streetcar. They both took the same trolley everyday, and he finally worked up the courage to ask her for a date his last day on that route. They were married in Los Angeles on July 6, 1946. Their 76th wedding anniversary would have been this July.
Bill attended Biola Bible College and upon graduation he and Betty headed off as missionaries to the Philippines with their two children Billy Chesbro and Debra Chesbro (Bennetts). Their son John Chesbro was born in Cebu City, PHL. While in the Philippines Bill and Betty started churches in Tuberon and Masbate and made lasting and life-long friends. During tent meetings before they had actual buildings, Bill would preach and sing, and Betty played the accordion.
When the family returned to Phoenix, Bill became the premier dry cleaning repair person in the Valley and did not retire until his 90s. During this time they attended Sun Valley Church in Scottsdale and later started a church in their living room which became Cornerstone.
Bill passed away on Friday, May 27th in his home surrounded by family and his constant companion Buckley (the dog who can read). He is survived by his wife Betty, Daughter Debra (Bill) Bennetts, son John (Jodi) Chesbro, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Billy Chesbro.
In lieu of flowers, a Gofundme Memorial has been set up for Betty to help with caregiver expenses and home living. https://email.gofundme.com/f/6e48ay-betty-chesbro Also a memory book will hold thoughts and memories of Bill if you wish to send a memory.
Bill’s Celebration of Life is scheduled Saturday, June 25th 2:00 pm at Pima Canyon Church
9807 S 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044. All are welcome. It will also be live-streamed on Pima Canyon’s Facebook page 2:00.
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