Robert J. Chute, 85 of New Lexington, former New Lexington Fire Chief, died Sunday January 6, 2008 at the Sunbridge Care and Rehabilitation Center of New Lexington. Mr. Chute was born July 14, 1922 in New Lexington to the late Robert L. and Charlotte (Preest) Chute. Mr. Chute retired as the Assistant Director of the Perry County Board of Elections. He was a member of the New Lexington Fire Department for 62 years. He was a state certified fireman training instructor for many years. He was a member of the Masonic bodies for over 50 years; including Lodge # 250 F & AM; Chapter # 149; Council # 75; Commandery # 57 Knights Templer; Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus; Aladdin Shrine of Columbus; Carnation Chapter # 167 O.E.S. Member and past commander at John Tague Post 188 American Legion; 40 & 8 Voiture # 68. Member of lodge # 509 B.P.O.E. He served in the U. S. Navy during WWII. He enjoyed photography and was an avid reader. He is survived by his children, Bob Chute of Corning, Jerry Chute of Murray City, David (Susanna) Chute of Newark, Steve (Tammie) Chute of Winchester, KY., Virgil (Beth) Chute of Saltillo, Barbara J. Fox (Bill Zartman) of New Lexington; eight grandchildren, Arren (Dan) McDonald, Christopher (Suzanne) Chute, Elizabeth Chute, Caleb (Stephanie) Chute, Bradley Chute, Byron Chute(Jennifer Jameson, fiancee), Carrie Chute, Sherry (Chad) Zwayer; nine great-grandchildren, Andrew, Alex, Christopher McDonald, Meghan, Matthew Chute, Nathaniel Chute, Presley, Savannah, Samuel Zwayer; niece Diana Johnston and nephew, Lane (Barb) Johnston. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine in May 1999 and his sister, Dora Lou Johnston. Friends may call 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday January 9, 2008 at the Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home, 1850 West Main Street, Newark; and 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday January 10, 2008 at the Roberts Funeral Home, 304 Mill Street, New Lexington. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday January 10, 2008 at the Roberts Funeral Home, New Lexington with Rev. Richard Newlon officiating. Burial will be in New Lexington Cemetery. Military Funeral Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 188 and Fire Department Honors by the New Lexington Fire Department Memorial contributions may be made to the New Lexington Fire Department, 125 S. Main Street, New Lexington, Ohio 43764. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.