Chester William Hancock, 83, of La Plata, passed away on July 23, 2012 at his home. He was born on November 8, 1928 to William W. & Esther L. Hancock.

He was raised on the family farm in La Plata, graduating from La Plata High School in 1945. Chester served as a member of the United States Army from 1954-55. Chester was an avid 4-H member, member of the Farm Bureau, Glasva baseball team and an avid soccer player. Chester was a devout Christian, first as a member of the La Plata United Methodist Church and then later the First Baptist Church of La Plata. A career farmer, in his later years he enjoyed his large vegetable garden, sharing his harvest with family and many friends and going fishing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Hannah L. Hancock; brothers, Kenneth C. Hancock, Wilbur E. Hancock, Harold L. Hancock and sisters; Mabel C. Hancock and Baby Hancock.

He was survived by his wife of 20 years, Carol M. Hancock; sister, Hazel Burton of Bethesda, MD; sons, David and his wife Sheila of La Plata, Wayne and his girlfriend Brenda Buckler of La Plata, Ronald and his wife Mary of La Plata; daughters, Rita Riley and her husband Bill of La Plata, Susan Yates and her husband Bart of La Plata, Joan Farrell and her husband Chris of Charlotte Hall, MD and Judy Mast and her husband John of Mechanicsville, MD; step-sons Tim Duehring and his wife Donna and Steve Duehring and his wife Krystle, all of La Plata. In addition, Chester was also survived by 23 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 2PM to 4PM and from 6PM to 8PM on Wednesday, July 25th at the First Baptist Church of La Plata, 9070 Hawthorne Road, La Plata, MD 20646. Funeral services are also being held at the First Baptist Church of La Plata, 9070 Hawthorne Road, La Plata, MD 20646 on Thursday, July 26, 2012 beginning at 2:00 p.m. with burial immediately following at the La Plata United Methodist Cemetery in Dentsville. Officiating clergy will be the Pastor Wendell Stokes. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will include his 16 grandsons and close friends.

Arrangements are being handled by Raymond Funeral Home.