“J.C”, age 87, of Ava, was called home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, Oct. 24, 2005 Jewell Clayton Kester, fondly known as “J.C”, age 87, of Ava, was called home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, Oct. 24, 2005.
J.C. passed away in Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center after a brief stay.
He was born Jan. 8, 1918, in Stilwell, Okla., the son of William Isaac and Bessie (Yarbrough) Kester. On Sept. 25, 1937, he was united in marriage to Goldie Fae Woods and God blessed this union with seven children.
J.C. was a hard working, talented family provider and a highly respected farmer. He enjoyed farming, fishing, gardening, planting, grafting and growing trees. He especially enjoyed sharing the bounty of his garden with family and friends.
He was a dedicated member of First Southern Baptist Church of Ava and a deacon for 52 years. J.C. inspired and humbled all age groups with his life faithfully lived as a model of caring love, an example of quiet courage and always an inspirational testimony of faith. He diligently studied the Bible and he always tried to live his life each day in a manner pleasing to his Lord. He could find good in every person, hope in any adversity and peace in any sorrow. J.C. was a kind, gentle and sensitive man who never knew a stranger, always wore a smile, and dedicated himself to his Lord, church and family.
J.C. was preceded in death by his parents; one son, William Isaac Kester; three brothers; three sisters; and one grandson.
He leaves behind his caring wife of 68 years, Goldie, of the home; four daughters and their spouses, Joann and Leon Spell, of Donovan, Lorene and Henry Lawrence, Springfield, Nancy and Lester Cook, Ava, and Glenda Floyd, Springfield; two sons and their spouses, Howard and Dottie Kester, Hoyt, Kan., and Paul and Lois Kester, Ava; one brother, Clarence Kester and wife, Joan, of Stilwell, Okla.; three sisters, Juanita Jones, Stilwell, Okla., Cecil Abbott, Piedmont, Clara Wilson, Hampstead, Md; a very special friend, Don Williams, Springfield; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many caring friends.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today (Thursday) in the First Southern Baptist Church of Ava, with the Rev. Tom Maples officiating. Burial will follow in the Walnut Grove Cemetery, with services under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home of Ava.
Family time and visitation was held Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. The family suggests memorial contributions to Lavonna Stafford’s Missionary Children’s Program.
