Chester Paul Huntsman

Chester Paul Huntsman, 65, of Crossett, a man whose life was dedicated to entertaining and uplifting others, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Born October 15, 1959, in Monroe, Louisiana, Chester was the sixth child of Marion and Dorothy Huntsman. His family moved to Crossett in 1964, where he began first grade and later graduated from Crossett High School in 1977. During his early years, Chester became a child of God, embracing his faith, and building a foundation that guided and sustained him throughout his life.

Known for his unwavering community spirit, Chester was “The Voice of Friday Night Football for the Crossett Eagles” for 35 years, energizing local fans. His love of sports extended to coaching baseball, a passion he pursued even before his sons were old enough to play. Chester also cherished duck hunting trips with his boys and quiet evenings watching westerns.

Together with his wife, Laura, Chester founded and turned the Beech Street Bistro into a hub of delicious food and warm community spirit. Their dedication earned them the 2024 Arkansas Restaurant People’s Choice Award. Chester’s Cajun roots inspired his culinary creations, which became local favorites. Before the Bistro, Chester had already left his mark on the restaurant industry, with the beloved Smooty’s Pizza.

A gifted entertainer, Chester brought joy through music, theater, and humor. Whether performing with the Crossett Players, playing in countless bands, or serenading diners on their birthday at the Beech Street Bistro with his trombone, he was a natural showman. Fearlessly commanding the microphone, Chester belted out lyrics from his seemingly endless repertoire, his deep love for music evident in every note. His passion and energy were contagious, captivating and inspiring to everyone in his audience.

Chester Paul Huntsman: a musician, entertainer, coach, chef, and larger-than-life friend. He will be remembered always for his passion, his heart, and the joy he brought to others.

Chester is survived by his loving wife, Laura Tullos Huntsman; his two sons, Tad Huntsman (Jade) of Crossett, and Tyler Huntsman (Leah) of Germantown TN; and one stepdaughter, Anna Withrow (Dalton) of Farmington AR; along with his lap babies, Mabelle and Bug; seven grandchildren, Harper, McLeod, EllaRose, and Winnie Huntsman, Dylan and Dawson Tanksley, and Hayden Swan; one brother, Oogie Huntsman (Faye); brother-in-law Robert Freeman; father-in-law Malcolm Tullos; two sisters-in-law, Sheila Knight and Karen Tullos; a host of nieces and nephews; and an entire community of long-time friends.

Chester is preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Dorothy Huntsman; two brothers, Johnny and Freddy Huntsman; and two sisters, Marilyn Soignier and Cindy Freeman. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 4th, at the City of Crossett Auditorium, with Chester’s niece, Lisa Soignier officiating. Pallbearers are Larry Cantley, Dennis Maxwell, Ricky Graves, Mike Chisholm, Keith Medders, Gordon Strong, Paul Harris, Gary Soignier, Dalton Withrow, Roy White, Mike Milner, and David Dickerson Honorary Pallbearers are Jerry McCoy and Ben Arrington.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made in his honor to “Hope at Home” or the local Boys and Girls Club sports program.

The family would like to thank everyone who reached out over this past year to offer their love and support and to remind you to be Like Chester…Shine Where You’re At! 

WE WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE ALL WHO ATTEND THE SERVICE TO BREAK OUT YOUR "CHESTER" CLOTHING FOR THE SERVICE, EX. HATS, BOAS, SUNSHADES, BISTRO SHIRT, ETC., TO HELP CELEBRATE OUR FRIEND, CHESTER, WHO WAS LARGER THAN LIFE.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chester Paul Huntsman, please visit our floral store.