Chester Darius Snell

On Sunday, April 24, 2022, Chester Darius Snell, passed away peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Chet was born on June 9, 1933, in the township of Blodgett Mills, New York, to Robert Darius and Mabel Elizabeth (Lawrence) Snell. Chet was raised on a 500-acre family farm, attending a nearby grade school and then Courtland Central High School. Chet, being a very strong and independent person, left the family farm and joined the U.S. Army on April 18, 1954, and served until February 18, 1965. During his time in the U.S. Army, Chet, obtained many certificates, awards and skills in many fields as an instructor, such as, Armorer, Auto Mechanics, Construction Engineer, Heavy Equipment Operator, and Emergency Medical Care. He had been stationed abroad, during his career, in the U.S. and in other countries, such as, Germany, Japan and Korea. On April 18, 1959, Chet married his one and only love, Bertha Villagrana. They made their home in Florence, Colorado, where they raised five children: Chester, Frank, Michael, Susan and Michelle. After being honorably discharged from the military in February of 1965, Chet put his talents and skills he acquired from the military to use in his work life as a construction worker, home builder, heavy equipment operator, mill worker, and many other trades. He ultimately made Portland Cement Plant his work career, spending 30 years with this company before retiring. Never one to sit still, he continued onto countless small jobs and projects for his church, family, friends and others. There was literally nothing this man could not do. 

Chet loved the outdoors, especially fishing and ATV riding with his family and friends. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his family, friends or strangers. He was a humble man who always put others first. Anyone who met him, wouldn't forget him. Chet was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mabel Snell; brother, Jim Snell; his beloved wife, Bert; his son, Frank Snell and daughter-in-law, Patty Snell; and grandson, Robert Snell. He is survived by his sisters Beverly Trapp and Bert Sampson, his son, Chester L. (Linda) Snell; son, Michael (Patty) Snell; daughter, Susan Snell; daughter, Michelle (Clint) Veatch, fourteen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends that will dearly miss him. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday May 6th at St. Benedict's Catholic Church (622 W. 2nd Street, Florence, CO) followed by internment at Mountain Vale Memorial Park (1700 Chestnut St).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chester Darius Snell, please visit our floral store.