from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Chester Short, 94, died April 13, 2012, at Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home in Archbold, Ohio.

He was born Dec. 31, 1917, in Fulton County, the son of Ezra and Mary (Wyse) Short. He married Nola Aeschliman on March 16, 1941. They recently celebrated 71 years together.

Mr. Short drove a truck for Jesse Short and for Matlack but later took a job with Dinner Bell Meats to be home more with his family. He retired from there in 1981 after 25 years.

He and Nola then moved to Deland, Fla., where they helped their son Gil at Spring Garden Ranch, a training track for Standardbreds. Mr. Short did lots of odd jobs while Nola helped in the track kitchen.

He was best known for shipping and helping take care of Stienam, the 1985 divisional champion as the sport’s top 3-year-old pacing filly. Stienam earned $1,355,474 in her career and won the 1985 Breeders Crown.

After moving back from Florida to Liberty Center, he held, in his words, “the best job he ever had,” being a crossing guard for Liberty Center Schools. He loved all the school children and they loved him.

He enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons play sports and seldom missed a game. He often bragged that not many grandpas got to watch two of their grandsons win state football championships: Archbold in 1981 (Ryan) and Liberty Center in 1997 (Chad).

He was a member of the Liberty Chapel United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Nola; children, Jack (Judy), Gil (Bonnie) and Mary Beth (Lou) Collins; grandsons, Brian (Teresa), Brad (Colleen), Ryan (Cari), Tony (Chasity), Andrew (Sara), Chad (Jenna) Collins and John (Megan) Collins; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Wilmer “Bill” (Jane); and sister, Letha Beck. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant grandson, Jamie; and brothers, Earl J. and Glen.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday (April 17) at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Christian Church in Archbold with Pastor Don Merillat officiating. Interment will precede at 10 a.m. in the Pettisville Cemetery. Friends may call at Short Funeral Home in Archbold from 2-8 p.m. on Monday (April 16).

Memorial contributions may be made to Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home, the Liberty Center or Archbold Athletic Boosters or a charity of the donor’s choice.