Gary Kester

Gary Kester passed away from this life on September 28, 2024, at Cox Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.  He was born on November 16, 1942, to Virgil and Charlene (Gray) Kester, in Springfield Missouri.

Gary was raised in Ava graduating in the Ava High School class of 1960.  After graduation, Gary received his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Millsaps College in 1964.  He continued his education at the University of Missouri receiving his Master of Arts in Spanish in 1967, he then received his PhD in Spanish in 1970. He then used his education to educate others teaching at Macalester College, Lafayette College, And Trinity School, in New Yor City.  He then became a trusted employee at Strand Bookstore in New York City.

Gary was a quiet, unassuming person. He loved reading, but one of his favorite things was cats. His love of cats was so strong that he fed stray cats all over Ava.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Charlene (Gray) Kester.

He will be missed by his sister Marilyn and husband Rodney Alms.  Many other friends and neighbors will miss Gary in their lives.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 1:00 PM, at St. Francis Anglican Church west of Ava on Hwy 76. 
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All arrangements are under the care of Ava Family Funeral Home LLC.