Benjamin Ellis Kester

Benjamin E. Kester, 99, born January 9, 1924 passed away May 11, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary E Kester in 2002. They were married for 54 years. Ben was the son of Benjamin Ellis Kester,Sr. and Agnes Garlock Kester.

Ben was a life resident of the Akron area, with stints in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Detroit. He was a 1941 graduate of Garfield High School and was honored to be the Class President and awarded the “Manhood Cup”. He was also the Vice President of the Hi Y, had the lead in the 1941 class play “Brother Rat”, served as a gym leader at the Akron YMCA, and a cabin leader at Camp Y-Noah for three years.

After graduation, Ben attended Kent State University and Akron U. In 1943, he was called into service in the U .S. Army Infantry at Camp Waters, Texas. Ben was transferred to the U.S. Air Force Cadets at Miami Beach. He also served in many Air Force bases around the United States. Upon discharge he returned to Kent State University, receiving his degree in Business Administration in 1949.

In 1948, he married Mary E. Lamberty. Ben worked as a General Manager of J.P. Loomis Concrete Company.

In 1961, Ben joined the Medusa Cement Co. as an Ohio Salesman. He then moved to Pittsburgh as the Cleveland/Pittsburgh Sales Manager. He returned to Cleveland in 1973 as the Great Lakes Regional Sales Manager. Ben completed 33 years at Medusa and remained for two years as a Consultant to the President, directing all production activities in the US.

Ben leaves two sons, whom he loved so much, Thomas E. Kester, Sr. (Linda), David E. Kester (Lynette); grandchildren, Jennifer (Eric), Thomas Jr, David, Brandon (Rachel); great grandchildren, Travis, Ty, Kaitlyn, Brandon Jr., Logan, Madison, Morgan; nieces, Beth, Cynthia; many friends and the great staff at Danbury of Tallmadge, especially Kaycee and her children. He was also preceded by his sister, Jean K. Morris.

People come into our lives and walk with us a mile
And then because of circumstances they only stay a while.
They serve the need within the days that move so quickly by
And are gone beyond our reach we often wonder why.
God only knows the reason that we meet and share a smile
Why people come into our lives and walk with us a mile.
“The ringing has stopped”

Visitation will be 10:30 until 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 19, 2023 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will follow visitation at the funeral home at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Daniel Doty officiating.

Interment will be at Northlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Danbury of Tallmadge, 73 East Ave., Tallmadge OH 44278.

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