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William Lynn 'Bill' Chesley

Mar. 19, 1940 - Aug. 29, 2026

Date of Service: Sep. 4, 2026

BURLEY – William Lynn "Bill" Chesley, age 86, passed away while surrounded by family on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at his home in Burley.

Bill was born March 19, 1940, in Burley, Idaho, to Verl Russell Chesley and Susie Baugh. He joined an older brother, Larry James Chesley, with another brother, Michael Verl Chesley, to follow. Bill attended Burley schools all but his freshman year, when he lived with the Jimmy Page family in Filer, Idaho. Bill was surrounded by extended family and neighbors, who became his lifelong best friends.

Bill met and fell in love with Barbara Jo Drussel. After dating for a few years, they were married on August 31, 1961. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Utah Temple on January 4, 1991. This loving couple became the parents of three sons and a daughter. The greatest gift that Bill and Barbara gave to their children was unwavering, unconditional love throughout the mountains and valleys of life.

Bill was an excellent provider for his family. Early in his life, Bill worked as a paint salesman at McCaslin Lumber Company. He later partnered with his father to run Chesley Well Drilling. They worked side by side for many years. Bill continued as a well driller until his retirement in 2020.

Bill was a man of the mountains and wilderness. He worked hard all year long so he could take time off in the fall to hunt. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed a good fishing trip. If you knew Bill, you have heard many stories about hunting in Burnt Creek, Challis, and the Selway. This love of hunting was passed down from his father and has continued with his posterity. He spent his life taking his children and grandchildren to the places he loved.

In his final weeks, Bill struggled with declining health, but he remained full of gratitude. He would remind everyone he visited with that he had lived a wonderful and fulfilling life. His greatest joy in life came from his posterity. He is survived by his children, Troy (Crystal) Chesley of Burley, James (Sabrina) Chesley of Gooding, Idaho, and Cindy (Harry) Shaw and David (Charity) Chesley, both of Burley; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, Michael (Christine) Chesley. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara Chesley; his parents, Verl and Susie Chesley; and brother, Larry James Chesley.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 4, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, with Bishop Wayne Bean officiating. Burial will follow at Gem Memorial Gardens in Burley.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, September 3, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, at the funeral home.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/qLtBQImkLFI.

Condolences for William Lynn 'Bill' Chesley

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From Juanita Gutierez:

Sorry for your loss. I grew up just around the corner from Bill. We were in same graduating class. He was always so kind. His father was my bishop, my dad was his counselor. I love that family. Great memories.

From Shelley Jones:

He and his families are a treasure! Prayers for comfort.

From Kerry Bowers-MacArt:

Mike and Chris, I just saw the obituary for your brother Bill. I am so sorry for your loss. Bill worked at McCaslins, and was an incredibly hard worker, great with people and a valuable member of the McCaslin Lumber yard. He also helped my dad with projects, and was never too busy to say 'hello' to his friends and customers. And he always knew how to tell a joke. From the Bowers family, we so appreciate knowing your brother Bill.

From Sherry Posey VanEvery:

Bill and Barbara were best friends with my parents Deloy and Phyllis Posey. They went everywhere together and so I have many memories of camping trips with Bill. He was always joking and making everyone around him laugh. I love Bill, and I know my parents and Bill and Barbara are laughing and having an awesome time in heaven!

From Carla Mortenson:

The Chesley family were a huge part of my childhood, we were friends, neighbors, & relatives. Bill was always a kind, & gentleman. My sincere condolences to his family.

From Roger Howarth:

Oh no-sorry to hear Billy passed. We were classmates forever in grade school and
Burley High School. Sorry for your loss. I worked with his mother for years at A&P in Burley. Billy was a fine and honest man.

From Leon and Dori Clegg:

So sorry to hear this! What a great family. His family and ours were neighbors growing up on the north side of Burley. The Chesley family were just a few houses down from us. Bill's dad, Verl, was our Bishop when I was a very young man. Fond memories back then. We send condolences to all the Chesley family. May you cherish all the great memories of your dad and grandpa. Knowing that you will see him again. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time. Sending our love!

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