Vester 'Sonny' Keesee Jr.

Vester "Sonny" Keesee Jr., 84, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, May 19, 2016, at his home, surrounded by family.

He was born May 28, 1931, son of Vester Sr. and Ruby Lee Carlton Keesee of Scott City. They preceded him in death, along with one great-granddaughter.

He was a Marine veteran serving during the Korean War.

Vester "Sonny" married his first love, Edna Dunn of Thebes, Illinois, on April 12, 1951.

Vester "Sonny" was a lifetime ordained minister of the Gospel in good standing; a man the Lord greatly used for his service and never wavered from his call to Christian ministry. He was a friend to everyone who met him. He pastored several churches in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. Sonny also worked at the Florsheim Shoe Factory and WT Grant and retired from Kmart.

His favorite saying was, "Keep looking up; the best is yet to come!"

Survivors include his wife; children Karen (Joe) Garland of Patton, Missouri, Cathy (Darrell) Hobbs of Jackson and Kenneth Keesee of Cape Girardeau; sister Dorothy K. Young of Dallas; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jack Owens and the Rev. Bill Carter officiating. Entombment will be at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum, with military rites provided by the Missouri Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Disabled American Veterans.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.