Earl Harrison Kester

In the presence of his loving family, Earl Harrison Kester fell asleep in the arms of Jess his Savior on Sabbath morning, May 27, 2017. Earl was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 3, 1936. He grew up in St. Paul MN, graduating from High School as valedictorian of his class. Earl served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his service, he pursued a college degree at St. Paul, MN University. Earl was an entrepreneur. He created SEATCO Manufacturing Company, a successful business he owned and operated. He retired from SEATCO in 2001.

Earl had many passions. One of his passions was fishing. He travelled the world pursuing his love for fishing…many times hosting family, friends and business associated on his journeys.

Earl’s greatest passion was for serving others. It was the hallmark of his life. All who knew him were blessed by his love and service – a testament of his love for God.

Earl is preceded in death by his loving parents, Lydia and Harold Kester, and by his son Scott McWilliams.

Earl leaves behind to cherish his memory; His wife, Judi Kester, Five children: his daughter, Cindy Nix of New Albany, MS and her husband Travis Nix, Mary Kester of Alba, TX, Billy Kester of Waxahachie, TX, John David Swafford of Merkel, TX and his wife Maria and Keith McWilliams of Crandall, TX. Judi’s Children: Joella Lundell of Fort Worth TX, Randall Lawhead of Arlington, TX, Trevor Lawhead of San Marcos, TX, and Seth Lawhead of San Marcos, TX. He is also survived by twenty grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, His sister, Connie Mears of Las Vegas, NV and his brother, Greg Bambick of Las Vegas, NV.

Earl always told others that he had had a charmed life. His secret was that he chose to see the good in others and situations and focus on the. His motto for life was, “Make the most of everything that comes and the least of everything that goes.”

During the last few months of his life, Earl never allowed his pain and suffering to cause him to lose his faith in God. He won the victory in maintaining his positive attitude and sustained hope.

Earl loved and cherished his family and his extended family. He left each of us a legacy through his generous and unconditional love. His love will always live on in our hearts.

We rejoice in his testimony: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the Day, and not to me only but to all who have loved his appearing.”

2 Timothy 4:7-8

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, June 10th at 4:00 p.m. at the Moore Bowen Funeral Home at 4216 South Bowen, Arlington, TX. Pastor Kevin Wells will be officiating. A reception will follow the services. Memorial contributions may be made in Earl's memory to the Revive Food Pantry at the Arlington Seventh Day Adventist Church.