Charlton Leach Ivester

CMSGT Charlton L Ivester, USAF retired, 90, of Lake City, Fl., was called by the Big Chief in heaven on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born December 8,1927 in Carrollton, Georgia to the late Joseph Lewis Ivester and Ora Lee Leach Ivester. He served in the United States Navy during WWII aboard the USS Minivet, Auxiliary Minesweeper 371, which sank in 1945 after being hit by a Japanese contact mine off the coast of Tsushima Island. Many of the sailors perished or were missing in action. Chief Ivester was the only gunner’s mate that survived. He also served aboard the USS General H.W. Butner, P-113. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam earning 3 Battle Stars and 2 Purple Hearts, and completed over 31 years in the military. He retired from the Air Force in Spangdalhem Air Base, Germany in 1976 and went to work for Boeing Aircraft International in Zaragoza, Spain as the Material Facilities Officer at Zaragoza Air Force Base. After completing his contract, he moved to Lake City, Fl., and built a home in 1978, he was a member of Southside Baptist Church, a Master Mason and a 32nd degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

He is survived by his loving wife of 71year, Alice Elizabeth Mintz Ivester; daughter, Pamela Savannah Ivester; son Charlton (Bud) Ivester; 5 grandchildren, Chris Glemser, Amanda Hatfield, David Ivester, Tommy Ivester, Pam Marie Ivester; 5 great grandchildren, Cimone Hatfield, Ondria Glemser, Alexis Glemser, Cody Glemser, Lily Asher Glemser, also numerous family members survive.

Funeral services will be conducted for Chief Ivester at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. Hermon Hampton officiating. Visitation with the family and friends will be from 6-8:00 P.M. Wednesday. May 16, 2018 at the funeral home. Interment for Chief Ivester will be at 2:30 P.M. Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, Fl.. Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, Fl., 32025, (386) 752-1954

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