PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Chester "Chet" Leo Sours, 82, formerly from Warren, passed away Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, from a lengthy illness in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Chet graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1948 and Ohio Sate University after attending both Kent and Youngstown State.
He went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, as a sergeant and combat medic, with medals.
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Sours
He was a member of the American Legion, VFW and Moose in Florida.
Chet was an accomplished professional pianist and studied the Hammond B-3 organ. After serving his country in the Korean War, Chet returned to Ohio to work with Hall-of-Famers Madam Rose Brown, Ola Hanson, Chuz Alfred and Jim Gary, among others. He later went on the road with Jack Yeager, ending up in Miami, where he was heard by Fred Crane, the highly regarded pianist. Chet played opposite Crane for the Al Belletto Band.
After retiring, Chet began to play again with Vince Evans and Jack Gorham in Florida. Chet was inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame in 2006.
Chet is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Sours of Georgia; his brother, Kenneth Sours of Ohio; nephew, Paul Sours and wife, Sharon, and their son, Max; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, all of Ohio.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Jo Gay Sours, and his longtime companions, Dorothy "Dottie" Larson and Elizabeth "Betty" Spahr.
Chet will be remembered for his outstanding musical accomplishments. His wit, sense of humor and charismatic smile will be missed by many.
Arrangements were handled by National Cremation Society of Port Charlotte, Fla. Service will be private and donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 401 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, Tenn.
(special notice)