William "Walter" Kester, 87, of Olney died Saturday February 17, 2007 at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney.  Cremation rites were accorded. Graveside services at Haven Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Mr. Kester was born March 5, 1919 in Olney the son of William Kimble Kester and Minnie B. (Kramer) Kester. He married Ruth Gardner on September 16, 1950 in Olney. She survives.

He was a truck driver and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in the European Theatre of Operations. He attained the rank of Tech Sergeant. He served on the Embarras Wabash Area Aging Board, City Parks Board and on the city council as Street Commissioner. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing pool and working with wood.

Mr. Kester is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruth (Gardner) Kester; daughters, Lisa Perry and her husband, Gary L. of Manhattan, Mont. and Kim Heindselman and her husband, Alan of Olney; step-son, Ron Smith and his wife, Lauralee of Olney; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren and two nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul and sister, Ruth.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)