Paul R. Kesterson Sr., 85, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born Dec. 5, 1932, in Cape Girardeau to Jessie Edward and Alice Lee Parker Kesterson. He and JoAnn Followell were married May 19, 1951, at Cape Girardeau.

He was firefighter for 42 years for the City of Cape Girardeau and was the assistant chief.

He was a member of Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, JoAnn Kesterson of Cape Girardeau; a son, Steven Douglas (Karri) Kesterson of Cape Girardeau; a daughter-in-law, Kay Kesterson of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Wanda Probst of Fort Worth, Texas; a brother, Harold (Marge) Kesterson of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren, Paul R. Kesterson III, Jason David Kesterson, Zac (Catie) Kesterson, Fallon Fox, Brandi (Andrew) Risse and Abbi Kesterson; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and best friend, Chuck Denson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Paul Kesterson Jr.; a sister, Jean McKinney; and a brother, Wilbur "Bun" Kesterson.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will follow at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Revs. David Pringle and Marvin Followell officiating. Entombment will be at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Parkinson Foundation.

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