Gary Kester

10/18/2024

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.

All arrangements are under the care of Ava Family Funeral Home LLC.

9 Comments

Donna Anderson

10/18/2024 10:41:30 am

Marilyn I'm so sorry for your loss. I did not know Gary personally but would talk with him at ball games. He was a very nice man.

Leigh Heriford

10/18/2024 11:23:12 am

We were so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. We enjoyed our days at Ava Methodist Church with him!

Janice Benda

10/18/2024 03:17:04 pm

Marilyn,

I am so sorry to hear of your brother's passing . Thinking of you and Rodney
Janice

Sandra Walker

10/18/2024 04:36:01 pm

Marilyn,
I am so sorry to hear about Gary. I enjoyed going to lunch with you guys when we could.

Sally Hicks

10/18/2024 07:16:38 pm

I, along with the other volunteers, officers and board members of the Douglas County Museum will miss Gary so much.

Debbie Gray

11/17/2024 09:40:41 am

I just learned today of Gary's death. He was my older cousin who probably just tolerated me as a kid. He shared books he had read with my Mother. He traced the Gray family genealogy. He was a very special cousin and will be missed.

Dorothy (Gray) Straw

11/17/2024 05:03:46 pm

I learned of Gary’s death yesterday. He was my cousin on the Gray side. His interest in family genealogy brought us closer the last few years. Recently, we spent a day going over family photos of great-grandparents. Gary knew all of their names and information. That was a special day that I will never forget. Marilyn, since I’ve lost my only sister, I know how much you miss Gary. Love and prayers to you.

Lonny Kester

1/22/2025 01:23:29 am

RIP cousin.

I only found out today because I had heard from you in so long and had to see what was wrong.

You will be missed

Robert Moore

3/19/2025 12:50:54 pm

Gary taught a Fellini film study class my first semester at Macalester. This led to my lifelong interest in international film, particularly Fellini's work. Gary was very personable, willing to discuss film and music outside of class as well. His favorite composer was Brahms. Whenever I pass Kester street driving through the San Fernando Valley, I think of Gary. In the words of Fellini from his film Lo Sceicco Bianco, "La vera vita è quella del sogno." The true life is like a dream.

Gary Kester

Leave a Reply.

Author

Archives

Categories