Chester (Chet) Royal Cartwright

Chester (Chet) Royal Cartwright slipped the surly bonds of earth, passing peacefully on December 16, 2023 following a short battle with cancer.  He was 74 years old. Growing up a hard working farm boy in Bourbon Missouri, he aimed for the stars after graduating from college, joining the United States Air Force in 1971 and earning his pilot wings in 1972.  He took great joy in dancing the skies on laughter-silvered wings, joining the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds and flinging his jet through the footless halls of air.  He excelled as a pilot, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow crew members and subordinates alike, rising to become the chief pilot for the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.  Chet also became one of the Air Force’s foremost experts on aviation safety, participating in Air Force and international air accident investigations across world and authoring the Air Force’s Guide to Mishap Investigations.  After 20 years of honorable service to our great nation, Chet retired in 1991 and pursued his other life passion, medicine.  He was thrilled to be selected to attend the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific as the oldest member of his class, graduating in 1994.  Chet then practiced medicine in Riverside California for over 25 years, touching thousands of lives in the community before retiring in 2020.  He briefly returned to work, volunteering his time during the COVID pandemic and administering vaccinations.  Chet was proceeded in death by his parents, Henry and Ava Cartwright of Bourbon.  He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 53 years, Regina (Gina), his two children, Frederick and Charity, and four grandchildren, Ashley, Ella, Abigail and Evan—of whom he had the utmost pride.  He is also survived by two siblings, Clarence and Clara.  Chet will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery, in Southern California, on Thursday February 8th at 1:30 p.m. A celebration of life will immediately follow at his residence.  In lieu of flowers the family asks you to share in one of Chet’s favorite pastimes, gather your family in your living room or den for an evening and just enjoy visiting with them and being in their presence.