Wilfred Kester

Wilfred B. Kester passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at his home in Pryor. He was 90 years old. Wilfred was born on December 1, 1924 in Booker, Texas to Walter and Coris (Baker) Kester; he was one of eight children. Wilfred and his brother, Pee Wee were one of three sets of twins! He moved to the Mayes County Area 49 years ago from Winfield, Kansas. He was married to Opal May Potter and later, marrying Wilma Jean Kester, who also preceded him in death. He worked various jobs throughout his lifetime, working as a heavy equipment operator for MUB the longest. In his spare time, Wilfred loved spending time outdoors; especially when he was hunting, fishing, and gold panning. He was affectionately known as "Big Daddy" to his family and his many Grandchildren and great grandchildren who fondly remember many accounts of his amazing life. He will always be remembered for his "larger than life" character, his orneriness, his tall tales, work ethic, his wonderful sense of humor and his beautiful booming laughter that rang out whenever something tickled him. His love of family was unsurpassed as was his love of country. During WWII, he served in the Army Air Corp as a Bombardier and Ball Gunner in a B-24 Bomber named "The Great Speckled Bird". He spun both harrowing and hilarious stories about his service in "It-lee" (as he called Italy) during the war. Those are now memories to be cherished. On August 19, the world lost a one in a million man when Big Daddy entered into rest. There will never be another like him and he will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. Wilfred is survived by his daughters, Vickie Watry, Charlotte and husband Ron Cheek and Sandra and husband, Chester Hollis, all of Manteca, California; 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Coris Kester; his son, Ricky Allan Kester; his wives, Opal Kester and Wilma Kester; brothers, Warren, Melvin, Jerry, Harold, Wilman; and two sisters, Ila Mae Asbury and Ina Belle Kester. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2015 in the Shipman's Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Andrew Rehbein officiating. Interment will be in the Burden Cemetery in Burden, Kansas with David Stengel, Jr., Denny Stengel, Griffin Cheek, Brian Kester, Michael Goies and David Stengel, III serving as casket bearers. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 28, 2015 in the Shipman's Funeral Home Chapel in Pryor. To leave his family a message, please visit his Book of Memories at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Good Shepherd Hospice.

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