Richard Lester Chastain

June 22, 1938 - December 23, 2025

Richard Lester Chastain was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Lester and Alice Viola "Vi" Chastain (Blake). He grew up in Willamette Valley Oregon and graduated from Independence High School in Independence, Oregon.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years aboard the USS Gunston Hall. After his military service, he began an apprenticeship as a lineman in Covington Washington. Upon completing line school, he accepted a position with Bonneville Power Administration in Pasco, Washington, where he built a long and dedicated career. Richard worked for Bonneville Power for 38 years before retiring.

Richard developed an obsession for cars at a very young age specifically hot rods that stuck with him his entire life. He was fond of traveling around the Pacific Northwest for car shows with his beloved wife Rose. Richard purchased many project cars in his retirement and loved having his son and occasionally grandson come over and help him in the later years. He was also a longtime member of the Ye' Olde car club and Rods of Idaho and Oregon, where he met many amazing people that he loved socializing with over the years.

Never one to sit still, Richard began a second career in retirement as the owner and proprietor of 9-9 Auto Parts in Pasco, Washington, where he remained active and engaged in the community. 9-9 not only gave Richard the ability to solve a variety of car-related challenges but also a captive audience to tell stories, jokes, and riddles while giving him purpose in helping people keep their classic and modern vehicles on the road.

Richard also enjoyed playing pinnacle with his card playing group in the basement of Nine to Nine.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Rose Anne Chastain; his children, Tammy Kirkwood, Rick Chastain, Michael Chastain, Stepdaughters Beverly Smith and Carol Bartlett; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Dennis Chastain of Chandler, Arizona; Donna Rodgers of Redmond, Oregon; and Wanda Kunz of Bend, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lester Chastain, and his mother, Alice Viola "Vi" Rodgers.

Richard will be remembered for his strong work ethic, determination, dedication to his family, love of delicious food, great sense of humor and thirst for knowledge. He will truly be missed.