Chester Franklin Hawes, photographer for more than four decades for the Charleston Daily Mail, has died at age 86.
Hawes passed 6 a.m. Saturday at the Hospice facility located at Thomas Memorial Hospital after a long battle with cancer, said his son, Charles Hawes, of St. Albans.
Known as Chet, Chester Hawes began his career at the Daily Mail in March of 1950 and retired July 1, 1993. History was recorded through the lens of his camera as he performed his job with skill, integrity and compassion.
"Chet was a fine photographer," said Nanya Friend, former editor and publisher.
"He covered many incidents from small features to national stories. He covered mining disasters and presidential visits. I remember the Willow Island disaster when scaffolding around a cooling tower collapsed and more than 50 workers were killed. Media flocked to the scene. The national media was aggressive. Grieving families were distraught. Chet stood behind a tree with a telephoto lens and respectfully did his job."
Those who worked with him over the years describe Hawes as a humble man dedicated to his job. He was always pleasant and willing to share his knowledge.
"He was really a great guy to work with," said Craig Cunningham, retired Daily Mail photographer. "When I started I didn't know my way around. Chet would give me directions. That was before the GPS and MapQuest. He was always in a good mood. He had a brilliant eye for composition. He was a great storyteller, too."
Gazette-Mail photographers who once worked with Hawes at the Daily Mail appreciate the skills he taught them as well as the example he set.
Kenny Kemp, now visuals editor for the Gazette-Mail, was in high school when he visited the newspaper building. Hawes, who looked a bit imposing to the teen, greeted him with a gentle handshake and interest. When Kemp was hired in 1981, Hawes became his mentor.
The seasoned photographer had many talents and a humble attitude.
Hawes was a pilot who owned three airplanes over the years. He also enjoyed ham radios and woodworking. He built boats. He was dedicated to his family. His wife, Carol Jean, died in 2003. One of their three sons, Thomas Hawes, passed away last year.
Sons Charles and Jamie Hawes both live in St. Albans.
Reporters and photographers recall how much he loved family and what great stories Hawes would tell peppered with laughter. Co-workers could not recall him ever losing his temper. He was content with his work.
"He never fussed, never complained," said former reporter Therese Cox, who recalls riding in a tow truck with him after her car broke down while traveling back from an assignment. "He was such a sweetheart and a really good photographer."
Julie Kemp, former Daily Mail Lifestyles editor, said, "Chester was a sweet guy, even tempered, and well liked by everyone."
Tom Hindman, who worked with Hawes at the Daily Mail, is now a photographer for the Gazette-Mail.
"Chester Hawes was a gentleman and a wealth of information," Hindman said. "He knew what was in every corner of West Virginia and he knew its people. He could tell you how to get there, who to speak to once you got there, and the best place to eat lunch. But most of all, Chester was an icon in the world of photojournalism."
Sam Hindman, who worked his way through the ranks of the Daily Mail and retired as publisher, said, "Chet understood the function of a photograph with or without a story. He was a good newspaperman. He knew a good story and a good photograph. He helped develop the strength and reputation of the Daily Mail photography staff over the years. He was a fine man."
A graduate of St. Albans High School, Hawes was 19 when he waited in the Daily Mail newsroom for the job interview of his dreams. Word arrived that two U.S. Air Force fighter planes stopped at Kanawha Airport for refueling and crashed shortly thereafter near Emmons. Hawes, who rushed out of the newsroom with the chief photographerand a reporter, was hired the next day.
It was the beginning of a career that continued beyond his 43-year stint as a Daily Mail photographer.
Upon retirement, he said, "I love newspaper photography very much. It will be hard not to run out when I hear a siren. But I'll still listen to the (police) scanner. And I'll call."
His body was donated to West Virginia University.
Arrangements are not yet complete for a memorial service.