Born May 2, 1926, in Ava Ernest Kester Jr., 80, of Springfield, passed away Friday, June 30, 2006, in the Veterans Home, Mt. Vernon.
He was born May 2, 1926, in Ava, the son of Ernest and Carrie (Denny) Kester. On March 22, 1946, he was united in marriage to Virginia Klineline and to this union two wonderful sons were born. Ernie proudly served his country with the United States Navy during World War II and retired from the United States Postal Service in 1986. He was an avid coon hunter and enjoyed spending time with his hunting buddies. Ernie was also a member of Hopedale Baptist Church, of Ozark.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Virginia, of the home; two sons, Dennis Kester and wife, Paula, of Springfield, and David Kester and fiance Kim Hurshman, of Rogersville; four grandchildren, Jeff Kester and wife, Stacy, Jason Kester and wife, Ashley, all of Springfield, Ian Kester, of Las Vegas, Nev., and Hana Kester, of New York City, and two future step-grandchildren, Nick and Nathan Hurshman, of Rogersville. He is also survived by four great-granddaughters, Katy, Mary, Maggie and Addison; one sister, Maxine Ellison and husband, Herman; a niece, Karen Timby; a great-niece, Carrie Timby; and an aunt, Dorothy Worel, all of Springfield; many caring family members and good friends.
On Monday, July 3, the family received friends and relatives from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for visitation at Hopedale Baptist Church. Funeral services under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, with the Rev. Terry Kendrick officiating, followed the visitation at the church.
Burial was in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens, Springfield.
