DOVER - Chester Kirksey passed away on Monday, Sept. 16, 2013 at Bayhealth Medical Center after a brave fight with multiple health challenges. He was born May 14, 1935, in Gilbertown, Ala. to the late Booker T. Kirksey Sr. and Willa Mae. Mr. Kirksey served his country in the United States Air Force for 21 years and after retirement he went on to a second career as a Correctional Officer at the Smyrna Correctional Center. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Alce, Curtis, Leroy, and Booker T. Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joan Kirksey; sister, Lillie Rhoades of Indianapolis, Ind.; seven children, Cynthia Eldred of Dover, Michael Kirksey of Silver Spring, Md., Jeff Kirksey (Rachel) of Dover, Larry Kirksey of Dover, Jeanette Brieske (Matt) of Santa Maria, Calif., Yvonne Kirksey (Don) of Smyrna, and Chet Kirksey of Dover; three grandchildren, Kevin Maki of Dover, and Renee and Michael Brieske, of Santa Maria, Calif. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Professional services entrusted to Pippin Funeral Home, Camden, DE. 19934. To send letters of condolences, please visit www.pippinfuneralhome.com