Chester L. "Chet" Pinkston, Sr.

Chester L. “Chet” Pinkston, Sr, 87, died July 16, 2026, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born April 26, 1939, in Hutchinson, KS, to Charles A. “Ike” and Levette R. (DeWater) Pinkston.

Chet worked as a truck driver for the City of Hutchinson and then as a crane and equipment operator for Midwest Iron for over 35 years, where he won several employee of the month awards. He was well known for being ornery, his love of dirt track races and NASCAR, specifically Jeff Gordon. When younger, he raced at the Newton Dirt Track and Hutchinson Dirt Track at Fun Valley. He was a volunteer for Friendship Meals and a very devoted Full Gospel Church member, where he always had a pocket full of pennies, served as a Deacon and was an unofficial song leader.

Chet is survived by his wife, Debbie Pinkston; son, Chester (Julia) Pinkston, Jr.; daughters, Dori (Gary) Douglas, Missy Pinkston, and Betsy Hahn; brothers, Jesse (Betty) Pinkston and Gary (Sherlene) Pinkston, Sr.; sisters, Janice (Mike) Gerou and Linda Fletchall; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.

Chet was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George Pinkston; sisters, Alice, Pinkston, Carol Miller, and Cheryl Berends; infant sister, Gladys May Pinkston; great-grandson, Aidan Douglas; son-in-law, Patrick Hahn.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Full Gospel Church. Friends may sign the book daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. until Friday July 24, 2026.

Memorials are suggested to Full Gospel Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501.