Laurence Albert Jester

Laurence Albert Jester, age 78, of Washburn, Mo., passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Mo. He was born Nov. 8, 1935, in Bentonville, Ark., the son of Charles Albert and Adeamae (McNelly) Jester. On Feb. 18, 1966, in Bentonville, he was united in marriage to Linda Townsend, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Tim Mattingly of Washburn, Mo., and Chuck Jester and his wife, Robbie, of Washburn, Mo.; four daughters, Lisa Jester of Provo, Utah, Robin Epling of Springfield, Mo., JoDee Anderson and her husband, Ronnie, of Seligman, Mo., and Nancy Jester of Washburn, Mo.; one brother, Robert Moore of Washburn, Mo.; one sister, Ruth Ann Roughton and her husband, Roy, of Bentonville, Ark.; eight grandchildren, Keisha, Gary, Brent, Felicia, Cecilia, Danny, Katie and Harleigh Jo; and one great-granddaughter, Tinlee. Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, Allen, Donnie and Terry; one sister, Betty Jean Wilson; and one grandson, Michael Jester. Laurence was a graduate of Plainview High School in Plainview, Kan. During the Korean War, he entered the United States Navy, serving from Aug. 3, 1954, until June 30, 1958. For 28 years he was employed as a surveyor/inspector for Crafton & Tull Architectual Engineers in Rogers, Ark. He was a member of Washburn First Baptist Church. Some of his favorite pastimes were watching bull riding and Animal Planet, drinking "not-so-sweet" sweet tea and sitting on his deck watching his farm and family. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2014, at Oakes Cemetery in Bella Vista, Ark., under direction of Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville, Mo. Pastors Glenn Erwin and Jamie Townsend will conduct the services. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2014, at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville, Mo. Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice in memory of Laurence.