JOHN KESTER

OAK RIDGE -- John G. "Red" Kester, 66, passed away Monday, April 17, 2000, at his home.

Friends may call today between 4-8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

Funeral will be Thursday at 1 p.m. at Christ Gospel Church near Millersville, followed by interment in Old Salem Cemetery. The Rev. George Newell and Rev. Larry Spicer will officiate. Friends may call at the church after 12 p.m.

Mr. Kester was born Nov. 19, 1933, in Oak Ridge, son of the late Bennett and Bertha Maintz Kester. On Jan. 24, 1953, he married Alice Newell, and she survives.

Other survivors are one son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Tonya Kester of Millersville; two grandchildren, Ethan "Cody" and Allison Kester; one sister, Juanita Moore of Oak Ridge; and a half brother, John "Bud" Kester of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by three half brothers and one half sister.

Mr. Kester served in the United States Army. He worked for the former Calvin Phillips Excavating Company. He semi-retired in 1996, while working for Tom Beussink Excavating. He was a member of Christ Gospel Church, having served as a trustee and musician.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Christ Gospel Church Building Fund of Millersville, or Southeast Hospice.