Chester F. (Chet) Taras

TARAS, Chester (Chet) F., 73, of Sebring, FL was called home by his Savior on Monday evening, July 6, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. He was a member of St. Catherine's Church of Sebring. Chet was born December 6, 1941 to the late Chester and Jean (Slominski) Tarasiewicz of Hamtramck, MI. He worked as Plant Manager for Kar Nut Products in Ferndale MI for 31 years. Chet retired to Lake Worth, FL and found his second career; volunteering for The Kiwanis Club. He gave thousands of hours making sure underprivileged children of the area had a better life through all of the Kiwanis programs. His favorite time of year serving the children was Christmas. Every April he started to grow a full white beard to play Santa. For 13 years Chet would listen to the children's wishes at the Lake Worth Kiwanis Festival, parades and also Police and Sheriff Holiday functions. He was very proud to be elected Lt. Governor for Florida Kiwanis for the 2010 - 2011 year. He also enjoyed raising orchids and many varieties of palm trees from seeds which he gifted to anyone interested in having a beautiful yard addition. Chet is survived by his Wife: Patricia (MacDonell) Taras of Sebring, FL, Sons: Chester F. Taras, Jr-Rochester Hills, MI; John (Pamela) Taras -Memphis, MI; Ronald (Michelle) Taras-Macomb, MI, Step-Son: Robert (Elizabeth) Carnes-Ann Arbor, MI, Brother: David (Helen) Taras-Bloomfield Hills, MI Grandchildren: Michael (Megan) Taras- Rochester Hills, MI; Kristina Taras-Sarasota, FL; Brittanie Taras- Fraser, MI; Jessica Taras; Ashley Taras; and Jeremy Taras all of Macomb, MI, Great-Grandson: Anthony Taras-Rochester, MI, , Nieces: Natalie (Sean) McDuff and Larissa Taras- Maui, HI, Nephew: Justin (Jennifer) Taras of Marine City, MI, Dear Cousins Suzy (George) Bethrum and Judy (Shawn) Ellison- CA, In-Laws: Angela Basch (Gregory Diaz) of Ventura Beach, CA; Marie (James Growden) MacDonell-Greenacres, FL and Dan Burden-Utica, MI, Nephew in Law: John (Gwen) MacDonell-Collegeville, PA, Grand Niece: Juliet MacDonell and Grand Nephew: Griffin MacDonell, both of Collegeville, PA, Faithful Furry Companion: Bubba-Sebring, FL, Dear Friends: Carol, Tom and Rachael Ramiccio-Lake Worth, FL; Bob and Alex D'Arinzo-Lake Worth, FL and his Worldwide Kiwanis Family and especially the Kiwanis Club of Lake Worth, FL. Predeceased by Brother and his Wife: Robert and Yvonne Taras- Marine City, MI. Services will take place in Rochester Hills, MI. In lieu of Flowers or if this great man touched your life please make donations to: The Chester "Santa" Taras Memorial Scholarship, c/o Kiwanis Club of Lake Worth, P.O. Box 1048, Lake Worth, FL 33460. Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home (863) 385-0125 Online condolences may be left at: www.stephensonnelsonfh.com