JOHNNIE LEE PRESTON CHRONISTER, Age 88, of Charleston, died Thursday, December 14, 2017 at the Charleston Manor.

Born February 25, 1929, at Patton, MO, to the late Herbert Chronister and Rita Nichols Chronister, he had lived in Charleston most of his life where he was a former member of the Charleston Jaycee's and was a member of the Elm Street Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and also served as Sunday School Director for over 20 years. He later became a member of the First Baptist Church of Bertrand. Following his graduation from high school, he attended business college in Paducah, KY and returned to work with Buck Farmer at the Ford Implement Company in Charleston a number of years prior to him opening his own business called Farm Parts. He later worked for Courtesy Ford Motor Company in Charleston for over 28 years until his retirement. He was a U.S. Army Veteran having served in the Korean Conflict.

On October 19, 1950, he married Jennie McCormick, who preceded him in death on February 18, 2005.

Surviving are his son and daughter in law, Mark and Karen Chronister of Sikeston; his daughter and son in law, Apostle Deborah and Robert L. Byrne of Charleston; one sister and brother in law, Tinker and David Atkins of Charleston; 6 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by 5 great grandchildren and several brothers and sisters.

There is no visitation

Friends may assemble at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 18, 2017, at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston for graveside services.

Interment will follow with full military rites provided by the Missouri Military Honors Program.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com

McMikle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.