Roger Kester

Roger Ladon Kester the son of Clarence and Joann Kester was born August 15, 1948, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and departed this life on January 18, 2022, in Stilwell, Oklahoma at the age of 73 years, 5 months and 3 days.

Roger Kester the man, the myth, the legend. He was the living definition of unique. He was hard to get a long with, yet one of the best people you would ever know. He spent his life in education, and everything he did was what he thought was best for the kids. Even if that was making them sign the paddle or sending them to the house. He was strict, but as fair as lady justice. He could talk to the most rowdy student and get the same respect as a top student. His passion was to help them achieve greatness. He was so very proud. He was proud of his boys, he was proud of his grandchildren, he was proud of each and every student that came by his way in life. He had a lot to be proud of. He started off in the small community of Bell where he went to school until the family moved to Pilgrim Rest. He lived on the farm in Pilgrim Rest until he was drafted into the Army and was sent to Vietnam. He served his country proudly and returned home only to find the girl of his dreams working at the Gray's Dairy Cup. He smooth talked his way into her heart and over 50 years later she was right by his side. After his retirement from education he set out on a new dream. He had a passion for raising cattle. He loved everything about the farm. He loved being in the field on the tractor cutting hay. He not only wanted to make sure that he had enough hay for himself, he also wanted his neighbors to have enough hay as well. He was a true neighbor, if he had it and you needed it, it was yours. He lived his life as an example, not all may have agreed with him, some could despise him, but his intent, and example were never wavering, he tried to help anyone. His main goal in life was to share Jesus. He at least wanted you to know that Jesus died for you and he would tell you all about him. Roger was a man whom many in the community learned from, what a blessed life he had, to have been able to influence greatness, but that's what he did and he was proud of every success story that ever came out of Stilwell High School. He was very proud of his church and served as a deacon in the First Baptist Church for over 30 years. Roger loved the Lord, he loved his family, and he loved his community. Roger will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of over 50 years Carolyn Ann Kester; his sons Christopher and wife Kimberly, Timothy and wife Carmen and Brian and wife Chelsea; his brother Rick and wife Cynthia; his sister Ramona and husband John; his 12 grandchildren and his 8 great-grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives also survive him.