Kenneth Byron Oster

Kenneth B. Oster, 90, of Columbia, MO, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025, at his home in Columbia. Ken entered the world on July 11, 1935, in Raytown, MO, the second of fraternal twin boys born to Byron and Ruth (Bright) Oster.

Ken was a proud graduate of Raytown High School. He continued his education at Missouri Valley University, where he pursued a dual degree through both Missouri Valley and the University of Missouri in Mathematics and Civil Engineering. After graduating, he accepted a job in the aerospace industry in California. There he met his wife, Beverly Haswell, when they were paired in a friend’s wedding party. The couple were married at Inglewood Methodist Church in Inglewood, CA, on September 2, 1960, and to this union two daughters were born: Teri and Tracy.

After more than a decade in aerospace, Ken returned to school to earn his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Missouri at Rolla, now MST. In 1980, after 4 years teaching at the Indiana Institute of Technology in Ft. Wayne, he returned to UMR (MST), as a teaching associate professor in Engineering Mechanics (later Basic Engineering), where he remained until his retirement in 2000.

Ken loved using his baritone singing voice in various church choirs, community choruses, and Barbershop quartets. He was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church, in Brea, CA; Rolla, MO; and finally at Columbia’s Community United Methodist. Ken joined Toastmasters International to improve his public speaking ability and went on to hold several offices. He was a longtime member of the Optimist Club, where he enjoyed working the annual Christmas tree lot, assisting in the soap box derby, and distributing medals at the Show-Me State Games. In his later years, Ken discovered a love for woodcarving—a hobby for which he had both talent and passion.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Oster; daughters, Teri Oster and Tracy Oster, all of Columbia, MO; two grandchildren, Elena Hunter (Jimmy) and Mariah Oster, also of Columbia, MO; one great-grandson, Mason Hunter; his twin brother, Donald B. Oster (Patricia) of Rolla, MO; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Billy Ruth (“Boo”) Oster.

A service was held to celebrate Ken, on Saturday, November 22, at Community United Methodist Church in Columbia. A second service is planned for Saturday, December 13, 11:00 a.m., at First United Methodist Church in Rolla, MO, with a Visitation, 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Community Methodist Church, the Optimist Club, or a charity of your choice.