Obituary of Chester Lee Laws

Chester Laws of Iowa City died on January 24, 2023, at age 101. As a youth, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Kahoka Missouri. Chester was in the United States Navy from 1940-1960, and served on four aircraft carriers. He was assigned to the USS Intrepid in the South Pacific during World War II, and was involved in the fiercest combat for which this ship is now famous. He earned six battle stars, as well as other awards and medals during his Navy career. After retirement from the Navy, Chester was employed in the building maintenance departments of the University of Iowa, and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City, IA. He was honored at The Veterans Trail at Coralville Lake on May 30, 2011. As a former crew member, Chester has a dedicated Seat of Honor in the theater of the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum at Pier 86 in New York City. He is survived by his wife, two adult children, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. Memorial services with Military Honors will be held at 2:30 pm Sunday, February 19, 2023, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. To share a condolence with Chester’s family please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.