William Lee “Bill” Jester, a longtime Yale resident, passed away on Wednesday at the Drumright Hospital at the age of 82. Graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2009 at the Lawson Cemetery, Yale. Brother Mich Dershem will officiate.
Arrangements are entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing.
Bill was born on November 4, 1926 in Avery, Oklahoma to the late Thomas and Marie (Dahlke) Jester. He grew up in Yale and was a member of the Class of 1945. Bill entered the U. S. Army at the age of 17, serving during WWII. Bill married Gladys Morris on June 30, 1947 in Winfield, Kansas. After returning home from the army, he worked at Modie Gee Hardware for five years. In 1953, he began his career at the First Bank and Trust. Bill worked for the bank for almost 35 years, retiring as Sr. Vice-President in 1987. Bill served as Yale City commissioner and Mayor, giving up his seat as Mayor in 1996 to serve on the Payne County Excise and Equalization Board. He was also a retired fireman. Some of his other accomplishments included serving two terms on the CAP Board, two terms on the Yale Board of Education, and serving on the Payne County Fair Board. Bill was also the youngest district commander among the Oklahoma American Legion Posts; he recently received his sixty year pin. He worked on his farm, raising cattle and harvesting hay, and liked to go square dancing and hunting. He was also a member of the Yale First Baptist Church.
Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years Gladys Jester of the home, son Billy Jester and wife Linda of Yale, daughters Kay Lewis and husband Jim of Yale, Cherry Galvan of Yale, brother Thomas Jester and wife Jody of Durham, Ok., sisters Wanda Buxton of Stillwater, Mary Stollings of Yale, Clara Osborn of San Antonio, Jean Christ and husband Allen of Yale, grandchildren Tammy Ringgenberg and husband Russ, Joseph Jester and Kelli, David Earl Donaldson, Samantha Wright, Jennifer Grau and husband Paul, Dustin Lewis, and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Roger Jester and sister Margie Jester.
Condolences and online guest book are available at www.palmermarlerfh.com.
***