Carl H. Vester

Carl H. Vester, aged 92, peacefully passed on January 18, 2024, at Ashland Health Center in Ashland, KS.

Carl was born on October 22, 1931, in Sylvia, Kansas, to Henry and Viola (Abbott) Vester. He graduated from Tribune High School in 1950 and shortly thereafter married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Smith, on September 3rd of the same year in Horace, Kansas. In 1951, Carl joined the United States Air Force after attending the Kemper Military Academy as a young teen. He was stationed in Spokane, Washington and Vandenberg AFB before being honorably discharged in 1959.

In 1967, Carl and Wanda relocated their family from California to Garden City, KS. Carl established his own business as a painter and wallpaper hanger until his "retirement" at age 65; however, he continued working well into his eighties. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Garden City and also belonged to the Eagles organization.

Outside of work and community involvement, Carl cherished his daily gatherings with the "Coffee Club" at the local McDonalds for six days each week. He found joy in fishing trips, camping adventures, and spending quality time with his friends at his cabin near Kannapolis Lake.

Carl was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Wanda Vester who passed away on March 13th, 2019. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Ralph and Robert Vester, as well as his sister Iris Nemechek. Carl leaves behind a legacy through his daughters Debra McNaught (Richard), Sherry Clevenger (Steve), Brenda Engler (Terry), and his brother Richard Vester. Additionally, he is survived by nine grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Carl's life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Saturday, February 3rd, at 10 a.m. at Robson Funeral Home in Garden City, KS. The family will be receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 2nd, at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Kansas Honor Flight or left at the funeral home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Robson Funeral Home in Garden City (contact: 620-276-2364, www.robsonfuneralhome.com).