Chester "Chet" J. Small, a lifelong resident of Gettysburg, passed away peacefully at his home January 8, 2010.

Born in Gettysburg, on June 3, 1928, he was the son of Walter and Ada (Leese) Small.

Chet attended Gettysburg High School and left school at age 16 to join U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, enlisting in 1945.

He was the youngest of seven brothers, who represented every branch of the military service during WWII. From 1945 to 1946, he served in Tien Tsin and Tsing Tao, China. He later served with Company C 1st Pioneers in Puerto Rico. He was honorably discharged in 1949 in Ogden, Utah.

In addition to his military service, Chet was an active volunteer for many service organizations in Gettysburg including the American Legion Post 202, the Last Man's Club of WWII, the 40/8 Veterans Organization, and the VFW. He was a 59 year member of the Gettysburg Volunteer Fire Department. He was active with Adams County Senior Citizens.

Chet retired from Mack Truck in Hagerstown, MD, in 1987 after 21 years of service. Prior to his retirement, he developed his hobby of collecting Civil War artifacts into a more entrepreneurial adventure in 1971. With his wife, Patricia, and the assistance of his children, he founded The Horse Soldier, a military and historical antique business which is nationally recognized. The family-operated business is still based in Gettysburg.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Patricia (Gleim) Small; his children, Jeffrey and wife, Kathryn of Mechanicsburg (formerly of Camp Hill), Vonnie Zullo and husband, Augie of Fairfax, VA, Mary Ann Berrian and husband, Robert of Camp Hill, Maurice (Sam) and wife, Catherine of Gettysburg, and Wesley and wife, Linda of Hanover. He was a loving grandfather of 10 grandchildren, Rebecca Small, Jordan Berrian, Taylor Berrian, Tara Zullo, Eric Zullo, Andrew Small, Rachel Small, Michelle Small, Chelsea Small, and Hayley Small. Chet was the last survivor of a family with 14 siblings including Maurice, Gladys, Richard, William, Robert (Jake), Phillip, Norman (Barney), Dorothy, Mary Jane, Nadine (Bess), Thomas (Tub), Lois (Toots), and Joan.

Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery, Gettysburg.