Max Kester
A funeral service for Larry Max Kester, 76, will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the Western Trail Cowboy Church in Vernon, Texas with Rev. Ron Fox officiating. Interment will follow at Eastview Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 24, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sullivan Funeral Home. Services are under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
Max passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016. He was born in Vernon, Texas on Oct. 3, 1939 to Emil and Lois Kester. He graduated from Odell High School in 1958. Soon after, he enlisted in the National Guard and served in the 49th Armored Division of Texas. The reserve unit was called to Fort Polk, Louisiana in 1961 where he served for one year.
Max married Sharon Shelton of Odell, Texas on Oct. 7, 1961 and had two daughters, Helen and Ashley. He ranched in Higgins, Texas from 1962 to 1964 then completed his undergraduate studies at West Texas University in Canyon, Texas. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966. He taught mathematics and physics at Vernon High School then Northside High School from 1966 to 1968. In 1969 he became an air traffic controller and worked for the FAA for 25 years. Most of his career was spent in Lubbock, Texas. Lubbock is where he met his wife of 35 years, Annell Billingsley of Olton, Texas. They married Nov. 25, 1980.
Upon his retirement from the FAA, he and Annell moved to Chillicothe, Texas where he enjoyed farming and ranching. He was an avid outdoors man loved to fish and hunt. He was also a talented mechanic and considered vintage car restoration a favorite pastime.
Max is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Lois Kester and four siblings, Ben Carlton Kester, Beth Ann Collins, Reggie Kester and Bob Kester.
He is survived by his wife, Annell, children Helen Pope and husband Todd of Shallowater, Texas, Ashley Cox and husband Jeff of Olton, Texas, Barry Billingsley and wife Mendy of Weatherford, Texas, Tonda Robles and husband Edwin of Lubbock, Texas. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Katelyn Pope, Kandace Pope, Charlie Cox, Olivia Cox, Clark Billingsley, Kristen Billingsley Soble, Taylor Robles, McKenzi Robles Quintana, Logan Robles, Kylie Robles and 11 great grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Western Trail Cowboy Church and the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be made at www.sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com
