His family moved to Fresno County, California in 1937. He was the seventh child in a family of two daughters and six sons. Vester attended Houghten Elementary and Central High Schools. He also attended Fresno Junior College where he received a Certificate of Completion in radio and television repair. He went on to be employed by Pacific Telephone as a communications technician for 37 years.
Vester served his country as a United States Marine in the Korean War. He was a part-time police officer with the Fresno Police Department for 30 years and a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association Riding for the Son.
He played football in high school and loved football and seldom missed a game on television.
Vester became a christian in 1948, at the age of 20. In the baptist church, he was an usher and worked with the youth. When his sons were teenagers, he coached the boys softball team.
As a father of two growing sons, they often went camping, water skiing and backpacking. He and his wife, Virginia, visited all 50 of the United States. In later years he had fun golfing and motorcycle riding with his friend, Ed Nautigall. Even at the age of 84 he was very active on his motorcycle and went for a ride with the club from Fresno to Sanger.
Vester was a kind and thoughtful and valued honesty and integrity. He was a real gentleman.
It is going to be difficult for those of this who loved him, for we will miss his humor and the warmth of his personality. However, we rejoice that he had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, and we have the assurance that we shall see him again in the resurrection and coming Kingdom.
"Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5
Vester is survived by his son Gary Watkins; his grandson Jeremy Watkins (Nichola), his great grandsons Christopher Watkins and Isaiah Watkins.
Vester was preceded in death by his wife Virginia Watkins; his son Keith A. Watkins; his parents Daniel Webster Watkins and Ella (Gilbert) Watkins; his sisters Lena Robnet and Alice Rounsaville; his brothers John Nathan Watkins,Floyd Watkins, Junior Watkins and Claude Watkins.
A Visitation for Vester will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
A Graveside Service will occur Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Clovis Cemetery, 305 North Villa Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
A Celebration of Life for Vester and Virginia will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 11:00 am at Bethany Mennonite Brethren Church, 9161 N Maple Ave, Fresno, CA 93720
