Larry James Chesley

We love you, Lucky. I have some sweet memories of Larry’s sharing at byu! We will all miss Lucky so much!

We were so “lucky” to have known and been neighbors with the Chesleys for many years. They have blessed so many lives and his marvelous legacy and example will live forever. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

He was a good man. As a teenager I loved to hear him tell of his time as a prisoner of war. May he rest in peace.

Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. I don’t know if you remember Dave and I but we were in same ward as you many years ago. Lucky and Annette were the first people we met in the Tempe 8th Ward and became good friends. I loss Dave, almost a year ago, to brain cancer so I know the loss you are feeling right now. My God bless you and the family and know that you are in our prayers.

Rest in piece my friend. We are so grateful that we were friends and we treasure our signed copy of your book.

What a privilege I have had to know Lucky, to labor beside him on his campaigns, feel his spirit and to admire his love for our country. Few will ever match his dedication to family, church and liberty. I had the privilege of inviting Lucky to speak before the 150undergarduate brothers of my Kappa Sigma Fraternity at ASU a few years ago. His message of faith, perseverance and overcoming hardships inspired them all. GBU, Lucky. You will be missed.

Judy, don’t know if you remember us, but y’all definitely helped us out with your sweet smile and kind hearts when we moved to Gilbert. Hugs and prayers to your family.

Judy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Y’all were so kind and thoughtful to us when we moved to Gilbert.

Phil, We are very sorry for your loss. I pray that God strengthen you and your family during this time.

Phil, We are so sorry for your loss. I pray that God would strengthen you and your family during this time of sadness.

So sorry to hear of Lucky’s passing. We loved he and you, Judy. You will both always hold a special place in our hearts.

Sending my love to the Chesley family. I am so grateful to have known him and I am a better person because of it. His influence has been strong and while he certainly has had many jobs, ranks and titles, I am most grateful that he was my Bishop. I was a teenager when I heard him say, “Sacrifice is a bargain”. I was incredulous because it seemed like that could not be true. I couldn’t believe his perspective and from then on, whenever I thought my life was getting hard, I would think back to those words and what he taught me. I ache for the loss that you all must be feeling right now, but I take comfort knowing that he is now void of all pain. May the Lord bless you all now and always.

So sorry for yours and your families lost. He lived a valiant life with you by his side. Four missions are amazing. you have done so much for our Savior. Love you both.

Judy, Some of my fondest memories from the Tempe Institute will always be while you and Brother Chesley were there! I learned much from you two and treasured that friendship. I love your example. You are the very best! Thank you so much for your goodness! Lucille Coombs

Dear Family I am the mother of two girls who at the age of 4 &11 were part of a dance team known as Dee’s Dolls, who were honored to participate in the Parade Honoring your Husband and Father when he returned home to Burley Idaho. They stopped where he was sitting and sang a song they made up and still can sing it today. (We love you Larry, oh yes we do, we love you Larry and that’s the truth. We’re glad your home again , home to stay, in the good old USA.). Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you and Pray you find comfort knowing these once little girls still remember your Special Husband and Father.

I love Larry and his example and family. He was a great Bishop for me and someone to look up to.

The Chesley’s served out at Lackland AFB area. I had a position at that branch for a short time and we setup weekly get togethers for the trainees. Apples to Apples comes to mind. As I was able to get to know the missionary couple a little bit more, Elder Chesley explained about his service in the military. He provided me a book about his experience, which I still have to this day. It was humbling to have had him share his moments with me. Also, the one-on-one discussion that he and I had about our faith while in the service was a deep spiritual moment for me. I am honored that I have had the opportunity to have known Lt Col Larry “Lucky” Chesley. Until we meet again.

My deepest Condolences to the Chesley Family. I served in Viet Nam about 4 years prior to Col. Chesley. Back in I believe, about 1979, I was blessed with a private talk with then Captain, I believe, Chesley. He told me his story, quite candidly, it to me was one of the most inspiring in my memories. It takes a special man to endure what he had to endure. I am quite proud to have met him and heard his talk about his service. Again, May Col. Chesley rest in Peace, “Hand Salute, Sir!”

I had the privilege to meet Lucky back in 2009. We developed a fun relationship and I will always cherish the many conversations we had.

I just realized that Mr. Chesley was not longer with us. I am so sorry for your family….he was a wonderful and kind man. I knew him in 1992-1994 when I was an Intern and then a Committee Analyst at the Arizona State Senate when he was a Senator. He even gave me a copy of his book, “7 Years in Hanoi”, which I am rereading currently. What a strong man to endure all that. He had the best spirit. We will all miss him.

Dear Family of Larry Chesley. This message might be closure for me also, and I’m truly sorry this is so late. I was not aware of his passing and for that I’m so sorry, he was a great man and Patriot. I met Larry at an LDS Know Your Religion Conference on a Wednesday evening in Modesto, California. This was in the late 1980’s as I remember. I was called at that time to the Teacher’s Quorum as their teacher and Priesthood Leader, and I was struggling with my own personal adversities. On that Wednesday evening, I was prompted to drive over to the Stake Center in Modesto by myself and just see what was offered that might help me and inspire me through some difficult times. I choose Larry’s “Faith Amidst Adversity” and was spellbound by his story so much so that I went home and immediately called each parent of my teacher’s and made them commit to attend with their son to the Saturday presentation from Larry. We all came with their sons including me and my son, and they set in the front row of the chapel and were mesmerized. I watch from several rows away as the parents were in tears as I was also. He changed my life, and I am so thankful. I got his book that night, and he took the time to autograph it that so many years ago. Today December 16, 2025, and at the age of 78 I’ve been trying to find a replacement of Larry’s “Audio Tape” by Covenant Communication, Inc 1992 addition. I do have that tape in my position but the sealed cassette after having listen to it many times the tape broke in the cassette case. As I said, I do have the book and have searched numerous computer sites to find the tape. It was by chance I found this memorial. Can one of your family direct me to a location or a person that might be able to help me locate the tape? Bob L. Reed – (145 W. 2330 S. – Bountiful, UT 84010 – (801)455-0373) Sincerely. Bob Reed PS: This is a fraction of what Brother Chesley has done for so many over the years. I have many stories that I could add of how his story changes lives on long business trips as many listened to his story as I drove. Any help would be appreciated.