Baylor Trucking Founder, WWII Veteran Chester Baylor Dies

By Mike Perleberg Chester Baylor (first on left), founder of Baylor Trucking, died Tuesday, January 24. Here he is joined by (left to right) grandson Ben Hammond, granddaughter Cari Baylor, and late son Bob Baylor. Photo provided. (Milan, Ind.) - A World War II veteran who founded one of Milan’s longest-operating businesses has died. Chester Baylor died last night, according to granddaughter Cari Baylor. The Milan resident was 97. Baylor served in the Pacific during World War II. He was part of the first Indiana troop to serve in World War II in 1941. Chester returned home in 1945, married his wife Ruth, and founded Baylor Trucking in 1946. In those days, he drove just his truck to haul furniture from the old Milan Furniture Factory. Chester Baylor (center) poses with two of his three children in front of one of his trucks. Photo provided. He retired from the business in 1986, the day-to-day operations of the company were turned over to his three children Bob, Steven and Bonnie. They grew the company to employ 200 people and operate about 300 trucks before Bob passed away in 2015. Today, Cari Baylor runs the company. "Chester lived a beautiful 97 years and his family celebrates his life, his contributions to the community and HIS LOVE FOR TRUCKS. Give a honk for Chester & Thank you for your prayers. He would be saying, "KEEP ON TRUCKIN'"!" the trucking company posted on its Facebook page. Chester was a community-minded man. Chester was a proud member of the local American Legion, United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, and Shriner’s Club. Baylor created a scholarship fund for local students and was often seen driving a classic truck in parades. Baylor will be laid to rest following services Saturday, January 28 at Milan United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by services at 1:00 p.m. The Baylor family is asking that memorial donations be made to Milan United Methodist Church or the Milan American Legion Post 235, 385 E Indian Trail, Milan, Indiana 47031. RELATED STORIES: Trucking Magnate Bob Baylor, 67, Dies Thanks For Your Service: Baylor Trucking Gives Pay Increase To Veterans