Wilson Leon Kester

Wilson Leon Kester was born December 13, 1925 in Searcy County, Arkansas. He was the son of Lindsey Brewer and Myrtle Kester. He moved with his family at an early age to the Cleveland, Oklahoma area and attended school in Osage and Hallett.

Shortly after completion of his education, Leon entered into the service in World War II. He served honorably in the United States Navy during the war and returned to Oklahoma upon completion of his military obligation. Upon his discharge, Leon began a long career as a heavy equipment operator. He was then married to Carol Sue Weigent. To this union were born one son, Marvin and two daughters, Martha and Rita.

During his career he worked for numerous employers in both the oilfields of Oklahoma and on hiway construction projects and continued to work until his death. Leon was married to Rosalind Louise Oliver in 1961 and they were married for nearly twenty-four years prior to their divorce. The couple had two children. In his spare time, Leon loved to play dominoes and most any card game.

He was married to Josephine Harrison on March 17, 1989. The couple made their home in Elk City for the past twenty-four years. They enjoyed dancing and participated frequently in a local square dancing club and also enjoyed country western dancing. Josephine preceded him in death on September 25, 2003.

Leon passed away on Friday, December 12, 2003 at his home in Elk City at the age of seventy-seven years, eleven months and twenty-nine days. In addition to his wife, Leon was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, James, Euel and Ulus; and three sisters, Ollie, Lois and Gertrude.

He is survived by his daughter, Patty Brenner of Tulsa, Oklahoma; son, Marvin Gravenor of Atlanta, Georgia; and two daughters, Martha Charles of Wilmington, NC and Rita Gravenor of Atlanta, Georgia; four grandchildren, two sisters, Betty Sherrill of Ponca City, OK and Sarah B. Kester of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and a half sisters Wilma Young of Harrison, Arkansas.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, December 18, 2003 at the Chapel of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Edens officiating. Burial will be at the Osage Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Leon Kester at www.chapman-black.com.