William Lewis Chesley

WILLIAM LEWIS CHESLEY

Levant - William L. Chesley, 97, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour, June 24, 2026. He died peacefully at home. William was born on August 12, 1928, in Barre, VT, the son of Charles and Bethany (Powers) Chesley.

He graduated from Falmouth High School in 1946 and Brown University in 1951. Following graduation, William served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953.

He married Greta Anthoensen in 1953, and they spent the next 62 years together, raising their family in Cumberland while operating Chesley Construction Corp. and starting a local church. In 1980, he began missionary work in Alaska, and from 1991 to 2005, he took 24 mission trips to Russia, sharing the Gospel and overseeing the construction of the Open Door Church in Vladivostok. William facilitated the translation and printing of the book Life of Christ into the Yakut language. In 2017, he married Barbara Bolster of NH. William was known for his good humor and great storytelling. Following the pattern of Jesus Christ brought him much comfort and guidance.

William is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his children: Chris (Meg), Andrew (Dolly), Joanna (Stephen), and Will (Joanna); 12 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Hermon Baptist Church, 2496 US-2, Hermon. Relatives and friends are welcome to visit from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. All are invited to share conversation and refreshments in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.