Source: News Journal

Max Eugene Kester (1924-2000)

Born in Wabash County, IN on July 28, 1924. Max Eugene Kester, 76, North Manchester, IN, died at 8:44am July 31, 2000, in North Manchester.

He married Grace L. Schmalzried in North Manchester on Aug 5, 1945.

He retired in 1986, after 25 years as office manager of Frantz Lumber Co. and was a building contractor before working at the lumber company.

He was a 50 year member of the North Manchester United Methodist Church serving as chairman of the administrative board, member of the building committee, trustee, usher and other committees. He was also a former member of the Kiwanis Club serving as vice president in 1989 and president in 1990; in 1970 he received the Circle K Award for outstanding service and friendship.

He was a member of the North Manchester Historical Society serving as vice president in 1989 and president in 1990 and on the executive board 1991-1995. He supervised the moving, cleaning, and reorganization of the Historical Museum.

Max was also a member of Deming Masonic Lodge #88 F&AM of North Manchester, Ft Wayne Scottish Rite, Shrine Club, the North Manchester Shepherd Center, AARP, and was vice president of Wabash Co. Retarded Children and Vocationally Handicapped Inc. in 1970. He was a member of the North Manchester Town Board 1968-1975, serving as chairman 1968-1970 and 1973-1975. He was Building Commissioner 1976-1971, Secretary of the Zoning Board 1976-1991 and was a member of the Wabash County Zoning Committee. Max was president of the North Central East Town Trustee Round Table in 1975, a member and past chairman of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns Town Hall Forum in 1971. He was a graduate of Urbana High School in 1942.

He is survived by his wife Grace L. Kester; one son, Rev. Edward Eugene Kester, The Woodlands, TX; three daughters, Kathy Kretzer, Richmond, VA, Cindy Simcoe-Maylone, Muncie, IN, Annette Ayres, North Manchester, IN; 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren; One brother deceased.

Memorials may be made to North Manchester United Methodist Church or the National Parkinson Foundation.