With great sorrow, we announce the passing of a great man, beloved husband, treasured father and grandfather. Eugene Merle Chidester passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2015, after a well fought battle against Alzheimer's, a loss that can never be filled. He is survived by his high school sweet heart and devoted wife Ida, of 58 years who made it possible with their children Brian, Charles, and Gloria to live at home until the end.Gene was born on June 3, 1938 to the late Merle and Phyllis Chidester. Gene was a 1956 graduate of Blue Ridge School and immediately joined the army, stationed in Germany serving the 34th Signal Battalion Corps. Anytime a veteran crossed his path, Gene never failed to express sincerest gratitude for their service. He is survived and will forever be missed by his children Brian (Debbie), Scott (Cindy), Keith (Dale), Neal (Sonya) of Kingsley, Charles (Lorraine), Gloria Smith (Allen) of Montrose. His smiles, gentle hand, and sense of humor will live on in his 18 grandchildren and five great grandchildren who thought the sun rose and shined because of him. He also leaves behind two sisters, Virginia and Mary; and four brothers, Roger, Doug, Robert and Edward.A nurturing and caring man with a passion to grow things, Gene and Ida fulfilled their dream of being farmers in 1960. The intelligence and character of this great man were brilliant. While others struggled farming, he taught himself to be a mechanic, veterinarian, excavator, electrician, construction, plumber, investor, jack of all trades. Working tirelessly to grow the farm to help his children obtain their dream of farming with him. Many times senators and agricultural representatives would call to ask how he could keep succeeding and the simple truth was he was born to be a farmer and devoted his time to his passion. With all of his own work to do he was always there to help anyone in need. Honest protective and extremely proud of his family, he and Ida worked to make sure they were never without while always instilling the important things in life. To him his home, his family and his farm were his heaven on earth.Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at the First Universalist Church Of Brooklyn, Kingsley, PA with Pastor Ralph Christianson officiating. A visitation was held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at the Daniel K. Regan Funeral, Montrose, PA. Interment will be in the East Bridgewater Cemetery, Montrose, PA.Donations in his memory can be made to the First Universalist Church of Brooklyn, 6925 Maple St., Kingsley, PA 18826.