Chestney Dwane Faulkenberry

Chestney "Chet" Dwane Faulkenberry, 78, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in Abilene, Texas. Chet was born on January 17, 1938 in Eastman, Oklahoma. Chet, who held both a B.A. and M.A., was a teacher for 30 years in Merced, California at Merced High School and Merced College. At Merced College he taught auto body and English, was elected to serve a year term as President of the Academic Faculty Senate, and was also honored as "Teacher of the Year." Chet was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of the Scottish Rite, a Worshipful Master of Merced's Blue Lodge #99, and a member of Abilene's John Sayles Masonic Lodge. He was also involved in volunteer work preparing tax returns for AARP at the Mall, as well as serving as Bible Distribution Chairman for the Abilene Camp of Gideon International. After retiring from teaching, he built his own home and became a cattleman rancher in his hometown of Marietta, Oklahoma for 11 years. He is survived by his wife, Martha Faulkenberry; daughters, Trudy Faulkenberry and Bonnie Miller; grandchildren, Katherine Miller and John Chestney Miller; and son-in-law, John Miller. Two brothers, Larry & Kim Faulkenberry. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 3, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 4, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech Street in Abilene, Texas. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 7, in Lakeview Cemetery in Marietta, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideon International, Memorial Bible Chairman, P.O. Box 7361, Abilene, TX 79608-7361, or to the donor's favorite charity.