Chester Paul Backus

Heaven received a new musician on March 15, 2011 when Chester “Chet” P. Backus, II passed away at Ruby Memorial in Morgantown, W.Va. Chet was born July 24, 1947 in Parkersburg, W.Va., son of the late Chester Paul and Jessie J. Bailey Backus. He was a graduate of Parkersburg High School and was a member of the PHS Marching Band. He was a teacher and musician, performed with various local bands throughout his life and toured nationwide with the act Command Performance for three years. He was a Percussion instructor with the PHS Band for 30 years and was a member of the National Association of Rudimental Drummers. Chet shared his love of music with countless people throughout his life. Chet is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kathy Backus; son, Phillip Backus and girlfriend, Alissa McAtee of Little Hocking, Ohio; daughters, Michelle Korson and husband, Jarrod of Greenville, Michigan, and Kimberly Backus-McCloy and husband, Kenny Jr. of LeRoy, W.Va.; grandchildren, Zak Adkins-Korson, Sierra Backus, and Zoey Backus; brother-in-law, Guy Lynch and wife, Tracy; nephews, Mike Vincent and wife, Debbie, Steve Fluharty and wife, Kelly, and Dave Fluharty and wife, Angie; nieces Kathy McDonald and husband, Nelson, Brenda Smith and husband, Randy, Nikki Lynch, and Tara Lynch; numerous cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews and grandpuppies.In addition to his parents, Chet was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Vincent and her husband, Earl. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011 at the Parkersburg High School Auditorium with Greg Myers and Father Mark Purcell officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 400 Green St., Parkersburg, W.Va. and two hours prior to services Saturday at the auditorium. Present and past Percussion members will be considered as honorary pallbearers. Memorial donations may be made in Chet's name to the PHS Big Red Band, Percussion Section.