John Kester, son of the late Arthur Kester and Jessie Lee Cunningham Kester, was born on November 16, 1951, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life surrounded by his family on August 29, 2023, at Winchester Nursing Center in Bernie, Missouri, at the age of 71 years.

Mr. Kester was a former employee of Federal Mogul and Brown Shoe Company in Bernie and Charleston, Missouri. He enjoyed fishing and loved classic cars and RC Planes.

He is survived by two sons, Terry Kester and wife Rosetta of Dexter, Missouri and Phillip Kester of Bernie, Missouri; by two sisters, Judy Bryant and Donna Robinson both of Dexter, Missouri, and by six grandchildren, Zach Kester, Toby Kester, Warren Kester, Kaitlynne Raymond, Kenadie Simmons, and Kannon Whitney.

Other than by his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Crystal Kester Whitney; by his brother, Dale Kester, and by his sister, Maria Teets.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.