1924
Ret. Msgt. James
2018
Ret. Msgt. James N. Kestner
April 22, 1924 — July 25, 2018
Ret. Msgt. James N. Kestner, age 94, of Abingdon, Va., passed away on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at NHC HealthCare Bristol. He was born April 22, 1924, to the late Reverend Luther Kestner and MaryAnn McFadden Kestner. Jim retired from the United States Air Force having served honorably and proudly during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He traveled the world and earned numerous medals and commendations during his military career. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Jim worked at Montgomery Ward for over 20 years.
In addition to his parents, Jim was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Ruby Hearl Kestner; son, James L. Kestner; three brothers; and six sisters. He is survived by four children: Diana Rasnake of Kentucky; Teresa Branson of Bristol, Va.; Kathy Kestner of Bristol, Tenn.; and Roger Kestner and wife, Sharon, of Bristol, Tenn.; sister, Viola Williams; five grandchildren: Robbie Taylor; Jamie Taylor and wife, Renee; Derek Branson; Celeste Johnson and husband, Andrew; and Victoria Kestner; four great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Gene Hearl and George Hearl and wife, Doris; many nieces and nephews; and long-time trading buddy, Bobby Long.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, VA 24210, with Pastor Steve Robinson officiating and long-time family friend, Anthony Mangrum, providing music. Military honors will be presented by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the United States Air Force. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Forest Hills Chapel prior to the service.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of NHC HealthCare Bristol for all the excellent care, love, and respect shown to their father during his stay. Memorial contributions may be made to Wreaths Across America at, P.O. Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, or, www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Ret. Msgt. James N. Kestner is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).
In addition to his parents, Jim was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Ruby Hearl Kestner; son, James L. Kestner; three brothers; and six sisters. He is survived by four children: Diana Rasnake of Kentucky; Teresa Branson of Bristol, Va.; Kathy Kestner of Bristol, Tenn.; and Roger Kestner and wife, Sharon, of Bristol, Tenn.; sister, Viola Williams; five grandchildren: Robbie Taylor; Jamie Taylor and wife, Renee; Derek Branson; Celeste Johnson and husband, Andrew; and Victoria Kestner; four great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Gene Hearl and George Hearl and wife, Doris; many nieces and nephews; and long-time trading buddy, Bobby Long.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, VA 24210, with Pastor Steve Robinson officiating and long-time family friend, Anthony Mangrum, providing music. Military honors will be presented by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the United States Air Force. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Forest Hills Chapel prior to the service.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of NHC HealthCare Bristol for all the excellent care, love, and respect shown to their father during his stay. Memorial contributions may be made to Wreaths Across America at, P.O. Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, or, www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Ret. Msgt. James N. Kestner is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ret. Msgt. James N. Kestner, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, July 28, 2018
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Farris Cremation and Funeral Center
Funeral Service
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Farris Cremation and Funeral Center
Guestbook
Visits: 20
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