Richard Michael Jester Sr.

Richard Michael Jester Sr. was born February 2, 1944, at home in St. Louis, Missouri. He was one of seven children born to Charles and Elsie (Link) Jester. Richard grew up and attended school in Arnold, Missouri. On February 25, 1967, Richard was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joyce Darlene Pittman. Together they shared forty years of love, laughter, and precious memories before her passing on September 15, 2007. Richard and Darlene were blessed with four children: Richard Jr., Charles, Connie, and Jeannette. Richard knew the value of hard work and started at a young age selling newspapers and shoeshining. He enjoyed working with his hands and was a natural handyman. His ability to fix about everything led Richard to working in the maintenance department for Westinghouse and Sisters of Notre Dame before retiring. Richard was an avid outdoors man enjoyed spending time on the farm and being on his tractor. He was passionate about guns and liked shooting and reloading. Richard truly loved his family and cherished making memories with them. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to him. Richard’s faith, family, and friends were most important to him and very evident to those around him. Richard departed this life June 24, 2023, in Rolla, Missouri at the age of seventy-nine years. Those left behind to treasure his memory are his loving children: Richard Jester Jr. and wife Heather of Rolla, MO, Charles Jester and Barb Light of Salem, MO, and Connie Jester of Salem, MO; siblings: Jerry Jester and wife Jackie and Phyllis Botkin and husband Dale; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Preceding him in death, his loving wife: Darlene Jester; daughter: Jeannette Jester; parents: Charles and Elsie Jester; and siblings: Waleen Weston, Charles Jester Jr., Teresa Dixon, and Harold Jester. Richard was an incredibly loveable man with a great sense of humor. His kind nature will never be forgotten. He will be forever missed by those who loved him most. Funeral Services for Richard Michael Jester Sr. were held Friday, June 30, 2023, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Chris Hendrix officiating. Song selections played were “King of the Road”, “My Old Man”, “See You Again”, “Tulsa Time”, and “How Do I Say Goodbye”. Serving as Pallbearers were Charles Jester, Devon Jester, Jeanie Jester, James Cullen, Jerry Jester, Josh Steinbarger, Kenny Steinbarger Jr., and Eathan Goodman. Honorary Pallbearers were Mike Burgdorf and Brian Light. Burial was in the Berry Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Richard Michael Jester Sr.

February 2, 1944 - June 24, 2023