03/22/2023
Robert Lewis Chasteen, 77, of Berea, passed away suddenly on his farm on the morning of Friday, March 17, 2023. He was born August 28, 1945, in Rockcastle Co. to the late Nick Sr. and Annie Phillips Chasteen. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Daisy Burnell Chasteen and older brother Nick Chasteen Jr.
Robert was known as a quiet man, but he was greatly respected by all who knew him for his work ethic and mechanical skills. At a young age, he worked for area farmers doing whatever needed to be done. He worked for a short time at the Berea College Alumni Building cooking for the students. That is when he met Daisy. In 1967, he went to work for the Madison County Road Dept. He worked there 11 years and was a valued employee. He went to work for Hyster Co. in 1978 and trained to be a welder. His welding skills were admired by all! Whether stick welding mig welding, Robert could lay down a bead of weld that was unsurpassed. After, more than 20 years at Hyster, he began welding overhead guards for Toyota and Komatsu forklifts for Laserweld, Inc. located in Houston, TX. All the while, along with his public jobs, he raised to***co, cattle, hogs, hay, and corn. Robert was a gifted farmer and gardener. He raised to***co for 40 years before the to***co settlement brought an end to the program. Many friends, farmers, and business. owners have depended on him for years to weld, fabricate, or repair their equipment. Whatever task he took upon, he gave 110 percent, and he had the blackened fingernails, stitches, titanium screws and plates to prove it! The loss of Robert leaves a huge void in so many lives that will never be filled. Robert was a God-fearing Christian and loved to watch WLJC and many television preachers.
Left to honor his memory are his six children, Dwayne (Nancy) Coffey, Berea, KY, Dexter (Shirley) Coffey, Katy, TX, Tammy (Kenny) Whittemore, Berea, Ky, Lora (Philip) Shouse, Berea, KY, Kim (Matt) Dees, Mt. Vernon, KY, and Charles Chasteen, Berea, KY; grandchildren, Dwayne (Paige) Shouse, Eric (Sara) Coffey, Andrea Coffey, Amanda Coffey, Alyssa Whittamore, Katie Whittamore, Canon Dees, Chase Dees, Casey Dees, Brenna Dees, Reaghan Chasteen, Natasha Byrd and Austin Thomas; great grandchildren, Harper Byrd, Heidi Byrd, and Jackson Shouse. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Mills, Lucy Gabbert, and a brother, David Chasteen. A special sister-in-law, Charlotte Collett, and brother-in-law, Harvey (Linda) Burnell also survive him.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 9:00 PM Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Lakes Funeral Home and funeral services at 11:00 AM on Thursday March 23 with Minister Ron Lutes officiating. Burial will follow in the Madison County Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to WLFC in Robert's memory. Lakes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
