He got things done
Chester Unruh was a friend to all, charmed the public with a broad smile, and was a man who got things done.
Chet and your former old editor (FOE) attended school together at Cassoday. He had a deep bass voice that thrilled audiences at public meetings, was raised in a conservative Mennonite family, and went away to fight for freedom during World War II.
Chet became a track worker on the Santa Fe Railroad and advanced to the position of regional supervisor. On occasion he'd come through Marion on an inspection trip and always ate at Harry Weibert's Owl Car Café. He liked the food and enjoyed the atmosphere.
Why is the FOE writing this article, what did Chet have to do with Marion?
Your reporter covering Marion City Council meetings heard how local officials had toiled to get the crossing repaired on West Main, to no avail. Santa Fe officials wouldn't listen.
The next time Chet stopped at the Owl Car we joined him for lunch and "mentioned" the rough crossing. It was fully repaired within a month.
Again, it proves that it's not important what you know but it's important who you know. And we're proud to have known Chet.
— BILL MEYER
