Clarence A. Chessmore, 88, of North Platte, NE, passed Monday, March 10, 2014.

Clarence was born November 7, 1925, to William Nathan and Sarah Eliza Anderson Chessmore at Sutherland, NE where he grew up. He graduated from Sutherland High School in 1944.

Clarence joined the U.S. Navy in March of 1944 and served on the Island of Yap guarding Prisoners of War. He was discharged in 1946 and returned to the Sutherland area. He worked for Municipal Light and Water in North Platte before going to work for Nebraska Public Power District in 1966, and retired from there in 1991.

On April 9, 1950, Clarence married Ila Deloris Todd at North Platte where they made their home. They opened their home and hearts to many children; some spent their whole life with Clarence and Ila while others were with them for only a few years.

Clarence enjoyed going for rides, gardening, auctions and livestock sales. He also loved animals, the North Platte River area and Cody Park.

Survivors include, Cathy (Kenny) Skarniak, of Grand Island, NE, Pam (Merle) Stryker, of Colorado, William “Butch” (Peggy) Chessmore, of Clay Center, NE, Vicki (Dennis) Collins, of Lincoln, NE, Clinton Ingram, of Montana, Teresa (Jan) Smith, of North Platte, Debbie Chessmore, of Akron, OH, Rocky (Jane) Ingram, of Colorado, Todd (Peggy) Chessmore, of Cody, NE, Jimmy (Linda) Tyan, of Trenton, NE, Jodell (Chris) Guljus, of Akron, OH, Terrence (Allison) Chessmore, of Cleveland, OH, Brian (Shakera) Chessmore, of Blue Hill, NE, Khristine Dhami, of Plano, TX, Jon (Phatcharin) Chessmore, of San Diego, CA and Ashley (Rob) Fleharty, of North Platte.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Leon Tyan, of North Platte; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Ila; Goldie Buttle and Donnie Ballard; his parents, William and Sarah; and three sisters, Clara May Slater, Mary Sells and Velma Jones.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2014, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com.