Chester ‘Chet’ Hilburn

A memorial service for Chester “Chet” Hilburn has been scheduled at 2 p.m. April 11, in the Presbyterian Church of Ruston.

Chester, a Ruston native, was born on April 15, 1945, and died on Jan. 27, 2021, after a short illness. He was a Ruston High School and Louisiana Tech University graduate. Chester enjoyed a long career in journalism before retiring from the Houston Chronicle. He was also a Vietnam War veteran. Chester loved LSU football and wrote a well-received book — “Legendary Tiger Stadium: The 30 Greatest LSU Football Games” — in 2012.

He is survived by nephews, Greg Hilburn and Kevin Hilburn; and niece, Anne Marie Hilburn and their families, who loved him; as well as trusted friends like Mike Madere, for whom Chester was grateful. Chester was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley Hilburn Sr. and Marie Hilburn; and by his older brother, Wiley Hilburn Jr.

Nancy Bergeron, a beloved family friend and lay minister, will preside over the memorial service.