Chester was born on March 8, 1952 in Houston Texas to John Alan and Billie Louise Gilson. He graduated from Conroe High School in 1970 and attended a two-year trade school for electronics before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force.
He married Sharon Ann on November 15, 1975, and they settled in Southeast Houston. Once he completed his time in the U.S. Air Force, he started his 30+ years career with the Houston Police Department in the Communications Division retiring as “Captain Gilson.” During this time, Chester and Sharon raised their 3 sons - John Alan, David Brian, and Scott Matthew. In January of 2018, Chester received the amazing blessing and life-saving gift of a double lung transplant. Since Fall 2020, they have lived in their current residence in Conroe, and they loved every minute of it.
Chester loved the Lord and served his church many years in the children’s ministry. His success in children’s ministry can be attributed to the fact that he always remained a child at heart. He was also a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed old movies as well as tinkering in his shop.
Chester is preceded by his parents John and Billie and survived by his wife, Sharon; 3 sons and their spouses: John and Tara, David and Evangeline, and Scott and Morgan; Siblings and their spouses: Rodney and Valerie Gilson, Edward and Roxanne Gilson, and Nancy and Donald Colson; and his 9 grandchildren: Caleb, Micah, Luke, Elise, Matthew, Levi, Abigail, Seth, and Milo. Chester leaves a Godly legacy of love and laughter and will surely be missed by all.
A visitation for Chester will be held Sunday, February 12, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303. A celebration of life will occur Monday, February 13, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Cashner Funeral Home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cashnerconroe.com for the Gilson family.