Donald Wayne Kester

Donald Wayne Kester was born October 20, 1940, to Cline and Lucy Kester. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 22, 2016. Donald began his childhood in Stilwell Oklahoma. While in Stilwell, two sisters Norma Ann and Judith Ann, passed away at an early age. A few years later, Donald and his parents moved to Ukiah, California. They then settled in Campo CO when he was in third or fourth grade. This became home for them and Donald graduated from Campo High School with the class of 1958. He grew up and became sweethearts with Donna Schaffner. They were married April 27, 1960, in Ukiah California. Donald and Donna lived in Dalhart Texas for a short time before returning to Campo to make their home and start their family. To this union, three children were born. Denise was born June 26, 1961, followed by Dixie February 18, 1963, and son Dallas born December 20, 1968. Their family was now complete. Upon returning to Campo, Donald joined his dad in the custom broom corn harvesting business. When the broom corn industry ended, Donald and Donna continued to custom harvest with his parents. They traveled from Texas to North Dakota each year, harvesting wheat, corn, and milo. In 1972 Donald began driving a truck for LaVerne Jenkins Trucking. In a few years, he purchased his own truck and started his own business, Kester Trucking. He hauled cattle, sheep and grain. This was a family business and Donna and the children loved to be on the truck with him whenever possible. In 1988, their children were grown and starting their own families, and Donald and Donna moved to Reno Nevada. Donald drove a shuttle bus for El Dorado Casino until he got a job driving a bus for the city of Reno. He was there for three years and began working for the Boys and Girls Club. He loved visiting with the children there and as in so many instances in his life, mentored them every chance he got. He then began working as a truck driver for Western Nevada Supply until they decided to move back home to good ole Baca County. Donald went to work driving a truck again, hauling fuel for Westphal Oil, hauling sand and rock for Robins Redi-Mix, and grain for Dean Jagers. During this time, Donna and Donald celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. It was a special day with all their children and grandchildren in attendance. Donald’s love for Donna was a forever, unending love. They shared a beautiful life and it was full of fun and laughter. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren for every accomplishment in their lives. His life totally revolved around his wife, children, and grandchildren. Although he was a very private person, his faith was extremely important to him. He accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and became a member of Campo Baptist Church. After returning to Springfield, he attended the Springfield Baptist Chapel. For many years, he coached little league in Campo. His knowledge for sports was evident to everyone. He could tell you anything you would ever want to know about any sport. So many of the young athletes that he coached, will comment today on the positive impact he had on their lives. Thanksgiving of 2011, Donald was admitted to the SE Colorado Long Term Care Unit and later to the Alzheimer’s Unit. He was there for four and a half years until his death. Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Kester, his mother, Lucy Kester, his father Cline Kester, and his two sisters, Norma Ann and Judith Ann Kester. He is survived by his children Denise Robins and husband Dave of Springfield, Dixie Long and Dallas Kester of Sparks NV, grandchildren Kyle and Alison Self of Parker, Josh and Bre Self, Ciera and Vince Flom and Matt Self, all of Springfield, Tanner Kester, Tarin Kester, Takoda Kester, Baily Long and Brady Long of Sparks, NV, and great-grandchildren, Rilyn, Braxton and Brynlee Self, Henry and Isla Self, and Avri Flom. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to Southeast Colorado Hospital District "The Cottage" - 373 East 10th Ave. Springfield, CO 81073.