Helen Maxine Chesnut

Helen Maxine Chesnut, age 98, of Lamar, Missouri passed away early Friday morning, July 8, 2022, at her daughter's home in Nevada, surrounded by family.        .   Maxine was born February 6, 1924, at home in Coal Camp near Mindenmines, Missouri, third of the four children of Elmer and Stella (Applegate) Kelsey. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Earl "Bud" Kelsey, Jack Kelsey, and Mable Letton.   After graduating from Mindenmines High School, Maxine earned a teaching certificate and taught in a one-room country school in Crawford County, Kansas for the 1943-44 school year.   On August 13, 1944, in Mulbery, Kansas, she married her high school sweetheart, Judd Allen Chesnut while he was on his three day leave prior to going to California for pilot training in the Army Air Force. They had celebrated 61 years together before his death January 24, 2006.   As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker, Maxine loved gathering her family for holidays and other special events. She served each family over the years by helping them in numerous ways. Maxine worked side-by-side with Judd in his veterinary clinic for many years.  She was an active member of First Christian Church of Lamar and enjoyed the fellowship of friends in various bridge clubs and the Lamar Red Hat Society.   Survivors include two sons, Judd (Ann) Chesnut of Lamar and Michael (Nancy) Chesnut of Neosho, Missouri; two daughters, Cynthia (Bill) Wynn of Nevada, Missouri and Alison (Michael) Gromer of Overland Park, Kansas; 12 grandchildren, Beth (Jeremy) Fowler, Jared (Becca) Chesnut, Adam (Candace) Chesnut, Chad (Kim) Chesnut, Charity (Mark) Solomon, Megan (Andy) Smith, Kelly Wynn, Kristin (Myles) Miller, Mary Beth (Robbie) Lynn, Matthew (Amanda) Gromer, Luke (Anna) Gromer, Sarah (Dalton) Maples; and 23 great-grandchildren.   A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the First Christian Church in Lamar, MO., with visitation to start at 12:00 noon before the service.   Contributions are suggested and made payable to Champions Special Ministries, Inc., The Neighbors Center in Nevada, Himalayan Christian Mission, or Lamar Sheltered Workshop, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.   Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com