Jack Russell Kester, 84

Jack Russell Kester, 84, of Colorado Springs, Colo., died Wednesday, January 30, 2019 due to congestive heart failure.

His memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at First Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, with Pastor Robert Kippley officiating. Interment was held at 11 a.m. on February 5, 2019 at Pikes Peak National Cemetery with military honors rendered by the United States Army Funeral Honor Guard of Fort Carson. Visitation was held on Sunday, February 3, 2019, at Swan Law Funeral Home in Colorado Springs from 4-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jack’s honor to the Security Lion’s Club.

Jack was born in 1934 in Sand-point, Idaho, to Lloyd and Alice (Talley) Kester. He graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1953 and received an associates degree in accounting from Pikes Peak Community College.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1973 as a paratrooper and infantryman, including two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Heroism with Valor for his actions while under fire with Company B, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam on June 19, 1967. After retiring from the Army in 1973, Jack worked for the US Postal Service in Manitou Springs retiring in 2000.

Jack was married to Annette Grace Carpenter in December 1954 in Sandpoint, and to this union three children were born.

Jack was a member of the Security Lion’s Club for 45 years, the Falcon Wanderers for 23 years, Rocky Mountain Eagles Chapter 101st Airborne Division Association and a faithful member of First Lutheran Church. Jack enjoyed traveling the world, participating in volkssports, reading, and sports of all kinds.

Jack is survived by his wife, Annette; children, Jack Russell Kester Jr. (girlfriend Kari Donnelly), Michael (Luisa) Kester, and Sheryl (Chris) Kester Beyer; grandchildren, Steve (MaryAnn) Kester, Brian (Lindsay) Kester, Brayden Kester, Jennifer (Cory) Swanson, and Dorlissa Beyer; and great-grandchildren, Austyn, Catherine, Leah, Jenna, Megan, Elias, Josiah, Elliana, Harper, and Isla.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, George Miller, Jimmy Miller, Harry Miller, and Rolland (Betty) Kester.