Photos © R Burnett |
©The Stilwell Democrat Journal Wednesday, Jun 27, 2018 Submitted by Jan Grooms
Gene Kester, son of Floyd and Irene (Quinton) Kester, was born on July 1, 1937 in Stilwell, Oklahoma and departed this life on Saturday, May 26, 2018 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at 80 years of age.
Gene lived a full life. He was an owner operator of Kester Welding. He married Loretta Louise Ingersol and they were blessed with a wonderful marriage and large family.
He served proudly in the U.S. Army and retired from his military career after over 27 years of service to our country as a 2nd Lieutenant. During his service, Gene was in a Special Forces Division, a Ranger Division, Sharpshooter / Rifle Expert and became a Master Parachutist.
He enjoyed racing wing sprint outlaws and breaking track records. Gene even won a first place trophy in 1987. Fishing was another one of his passions he shared with his family, teaching his children and grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Floyd and Irene Kester and his daughter: Rose Walker.
He is survived by a loving and devoted family that includes his wife: Lorie Kester of the home in Stilwell, children: Fred Nichols of Iowa, Brenda Schamberger of Missouri, Wendy Strutton and husband John of Missouri, Troy Kester, grandchildren: Misty Post (Loyd), Heather Walker, Kelly Perez (Ramiro), Matt Nichols, Jimmy Kumm, Jessie Kumm, Loretta Schamberger, Crystal Schamberger, Brittney Schamberger, AJ Schamberger, Danielle Byrd (Kalib), Cortney Buckley (Bryan), Dylan Denham (Diamond), Johnny Strutton (Savannah), Jason Strutton, 16 great -grandchildren, siblings: Floyd “Juke” Kester, Jr. (Doris) of Stilwell, Ozetta Maggard of El Centro, Calif, Glen Kester (Sheila) of Lamar, Mo, Joyce Biehl (David) of Lakewood, Ohio.
Gene is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Memorial services were held Saturday, June 16, 2016 at Roberts/Reed- Culver Chapel, Stilwell, with Eugene Kester officiating.
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