Laron E. Chesser

Laron "Ron" Edward Chesser, 85, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away July 6, 2026.

Ron was born Oct. 15, 1940, in Monticello, Arkansas, to Gus and Ernestine Chesser.

He grew up in Monticello and went on to pursue a college education before beginning a lifelong career in education and coaching. Following his graduation, Dr. Hugh Mills recruited Ron for his first coaching position at Hot Springs High School. Throughout his career, Ron was known for his dedication, strong work ethic and reputation for excellence. Many of the opportunities he enjoyed developed naturally through the professional relationships he established and the confidence others had in his abilities.

Ron was known for his easygoing nature and calm demeanor, making him someone others enjoyed being around. While he approached life with patience and humility, a different side of his personality emerged when it came to sports. Whether on the golf course, coaching youth sports or cheering on the Razorbacks, Ron's competitive spirit was unmistakable. He loved the challenge of the game and enjoyed friendly competition, always striving to do his best while encouraging those around him. As head coach, he led the basketball teams at Central Junior High School in Hot Springs to two state basketball championships.

Ron continued his passion for education as principal of Southwest Junior High School in Hot Springs. When Garland County Community College was in its formative years, he was invited to join the institution as a guidance counselor, recognizing his commitment to students and his respected leadership. What began as an opportunity to help build a growing college became a remarkable 42-year career. During that time, Ron served in several capacities before retiring as Director of Admissions. He took great pride in helping generations of students pursue their educational goals. His dedication, integrity and genuine concern for others left a lasting impact on the college and the community it serves.

His passion for sports continued throughout his life. An avid golfer, he proudly recorded at least three holes-in-one, an accomplishment few golfers achieve. Whether coaching, playing or cheering from the sidelines, sports remained one of Ron's greatest joys.

Ron loved his family deeply and took great pride in watching it grow through the years. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy, of 43 years; his sister, Phillis Shockley and her husband, Mike, of Conroe, Texas; his children, Kim Lindgren and her husband, John, of Champaign, Illinois; Chip Chesser of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Randy Wyatt of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Tanda Stoelzing and her husband, Trey, of Orange County, California.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Ally Lindgren, Jeff Lindgren and his wife Megan, Will Lindgren, Emma Kate Stoelzing, Luke Stoelzing, Charlie Stoelzing, Finn Stoelzing, Brooke Overton and her husband, Andrew and Sophie Wyatt; great-granddaughter, Mila Pierre; a great-grandson expected later this year; and many cherished family members, friends as well as countless individuals whose lives Ron touched.

Pallbearers include John Lindgren, Trey Stoelzing, Luke Stoelzing, Charlie Stoelzing, Finn Stoelzing and Andrew Overton.

Honorary Pallbearers are his many Diamondhead golf buddies whose fellowship and camaraderie he treasured.

Ron will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his commitment to his work and coaching career and the many lives he impacted throughout the years. His legacy lives on in the family he loved and the countless people who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. today, July 9, 2026, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, 155 Section Line Road in Hot Springs.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.

Interment will be at Reed Cemetery in Story, Arkansas, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Park College in Hot Springs.

Online condolences athttp://www.caruth-hale.com.

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