Chester Farris Bomer, 92, of Batesville, Arkansas, departed this life on Monday, April 27, 2026. He was born in Weiner, Arkansas, on March 22, 1934, to Jesse Edward Bomer and Mary Geneva Savage Bomer.
He married the love of his life, Joyce Marie Burge, on October 24, 1953, in Desha, Arkansas. They shared more than seventy-two years of marriage, a lifelong partnership marked by devotion, faith, and enduring love. He called her his sweetheart all the way to the end.
Chester worked as a lineman and foreman for Farmers Rural Electric Cooperative in Newport, Arkansas, for over forty years. During that time, he and his coworkers began the tradition of floating the Christmas tree on Newport Lake in 1956, which continues today. He was a faithful member of Allen Chapel Freewill Baptist Church in Southside.
He loved to worship the Lord and often did so through music. He loved to sing gospel hymns and was a gifted musician who never met an instrument he could not play.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who led his family with love, faith, and example. He loved others with a selfless and steady love, reflecting his faith and the example of Christ. He showed those around him what it means to be a friend, a neighbor, a spouse, and a man of integrity. Throughout his life, he built a strong foundation for his family that will carry on for generations.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Joyce; his daughter, Shirley Ann Pope of Ovilla, Texas; his sons, Michael Farris Bomer of Forney, Texas, and James Brian Bomer of Sulphur Rock, Arkansas and their spouses; his sister, Joyce Lowe of Newport; his grandchildren, Michael, Patrick, Richard, Kyle, Kristen, Josh, Amanda, and Asa; thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Dawson, George, Jewell, and Everette Bomer; his sisters, Artie Martin and Clara McFall; and his dear friends, Carl and Jean Hurst.
Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Doty Southside Funeral Service with Michael Young officiating.
Interment will be in Egner Cemetery in Southside.
