Clarence Kester

Clarence Josiah Kester the son of William Isaac and Bessie (Yarbrough) Kester was born February 21, 1925 in Stilwell, Oklahoma and departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior on December 10, 2016 in Stilwell, Oklahoma at the age of 91 years, 9 months and 19 days.

Clarence was a carpenter and worked for many years as a Superintendant for Manhattan Construction. He served his country proudly in the United States Army spending most of his time in Korea before the war. He married the love of his life Joann Casteel in 1947 and their love story began to play out. Clarence and Joann would start their days on their knees with the Lord together. They made sure to put God first in their lives. They raised three children starting in the Bell Community, where Clarence was raised, and later moved to Pilgrim Rest, before settling on the hill just west of Stilwell in the house that Clarence designed and built himself. After Clarence's retirement they spent a lot of time traveling. He tried to hit every trout stream in North America and very possibly succeeded. He had a passion for fishing and enjoyed fly-fishing most of all. Clarence and Joann spent over 64 years together before her passing in 2011. They were faithful members of the Fellowship Baptist Church. Clarence made sure he instilled the love of God in his children and grandchildren. His prayer was "save our family to the very last one, so we can all be in heaven together someday." Clarence touched many lives over the years and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of over 64 years Joann Kester; his sisters Edgil Moss, Effie Buckner, Cecil Abbott, Faye Kester, and Juanita Jones; and his brothers Floyd "Bud" Kester, Cline Kester, Jewell Kester, and Lonnie Kester.

He is survived by a loving family which includes his children Roger Kester and wife Carolyn of Stilwell, Rick Kester and wife Cynthia of Arkoma, and Ramona Brewer and husband John of Salem, MO; his sister Clara Wilson of Hamstead, MD; 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. A host of nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives also survive him.

Visitation

Hart Funeral Home -
1400 W. Locust St.
Stilwell, OK  74960
Thursday, December 15, 2016
10 am - 8:00 pm

Service

Church Service

Fellowship Baptist Church
HWY 100 W Section Line Road R
Stilwell, OK  74960
Friday, December 16, 2016
2:00 PM

Cemetery

Stilwell City Cemetery
Stilwell, OK  74960