LaVaine Arthur Kester

LaVaine Arthur Kester, a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Brother passed away on October 10, 2024, just a few weeks prior to his 86th birthday. In his final hours many friends and family visited him. He spent most of his life as a resident of New Braunfels, the last two years in Marion, TX.

 LaVaine was born November 6, 1938, in Dover Township, Olmstead County, Minnesota, oldest son of six children to Gordon and Violet Kester. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara of 63 years, parents Gordon & Violet Kester, brother Larry Kester, sister Eleanor Noah, great-grandchildren Tanner and Parker, father-in-law Howard Goode, mother-in-law Vera Garber, step father-in-law Michael Garber, along with several brother and sisters-in-law.

LaVaine is survived by his daughter Robin Campbell (Bret), son Robert Kester (Sherry), son Ronald Kester, son Russell Kester (Karla), nine grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, brother Robert Kester (Barbara), brother Mark Kester, sister Leita Hoffman (Steve), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

LaVaine and Barbara met on his first day in San Antonio and married a few years later in August of 1958. LaVaine was a 1957 graduate of Harlandale High School where he played football, basketball and baseball. In the early 60’s, he served in the Texas National Guard. Early in his working career he worked for several Steel Companies. Later in his career he became a manufacturing representative selling for numerous companies and promoting their products. He finished his working career designing/engineering customized/specialized wheelchairs.

After moving his young family to New Braunfels, LaVaine recognized a need for an independent Christian Church. God brought together the Kester and Phillip Cobb Families, along with several other instrumental families to establish the New Braunfels Christian Church in 1971, which is still serving the Lord and community some 53 years later. LaVaine served as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday school teacher, Superintendent and Song Leader. LaVaine loved to sing, and his voice carried throughout a crowd, especially at sporting events as the Star-Spangled Banner was being played.

LaVaine and Barbara purchased a home and property off Goodwin Lane, where they lived for 47 years. He loved old tractors and could talk for hours about them. His favorite was an old “Popp’n Johnny, that he would fire up on a Saturday morning to “turn some soil”.

In LaVaine’s last few months as his health began to fail, he would comment on how much he missed Barbara and that he was ready to go see her. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital and Opus Hospice, both of San Antonio, TX, for their gracious, loving, care and support.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.

Services honoring LaVaine will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00 am at New Braunfels Christian Church followed by interment at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park, Doug Gibson, Minister. In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to New Braunfels Christian Church.