John Charles Kiest

When Jack Kiest retired after 34 years with AT&T, he went right to work. For almost a quarter-century, he devoted himself to service: to his family, his neighbors, his church and his community. He also enjoyed playing bridge and poker, and he learned to make stained glass, turning his garage workbench into a glass studio. Mr. Kiest died May 30, 2012, of complications from pulmonary fibrosis. He was 79.

John Charles Kiest was born July 4, 1932, in Rockford, IL, and grew up in Oregon, IL. His dad, Roland, was the principal of the local high school, and his mom, Bus, taught school. After graduating from the University of Illinois, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and serving for almost two years in the Army Corps of Engineers, he went to work for AT&T, first in Chicago, then in Kansas City, where he met his wife, Ann.

Mr. Kiest was a manger in the San Antonio operations department when he retired from AT&T in 1988. Though he was just 56, he claimed he was basically lazy and didn't want to get another job. The years that followed proved that wasn't true. He joined the Central Park Lions Club, where he remained a member until his death. He served as president and treasurer of the club, and was named its Lion of the Year four times.

A tennis player throughout his adult life, Mr. Kiest stepped up his game in retirement. He started playing on USTA league teams and twice competed with his over-50 team in nationals. He also served as an officer on the San Antonio Men's Team Tennis board. His other great passion was singing, which he had pursued since he was in school. He was the librarian for his church choir at San Pedro Presbyterian Church for many years. Earlier this year, the church music library was named in his honor. He also sang with the San Antonio Chordsmen barbershop chorus for four years.

Mr. Kiest was preceded in death by a newborn son, Robert Scott.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ann Kiest; three children, Cindy Cooper and John Kiest of Houston and Jim Kiest of San Antonio, and their spouses; his brother, Lanny Kiest, and his wife, Sallie, of San Angelo; and eight grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 4, 2012, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2012

1:00 P.M.

SAN PEDRO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

14900 SAN PEDRO AVENUE

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2012

4:00 P.M.

HOLY CROSS CEMETERY

17501 NACOGDOGHES

The Rev. Calvin Reynolds will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr. Kiest's name to the music department of San Pedro Presbyterian Church or the Central Park Lions Club Foundation.