William Jack Kestler

November 18, 1921 - May 14, 2015

William J. (Jack) Kestler, 93, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2015, in Spring, Texas. Born to Antone W. (Tony) Kestler and Lydia Jackson Kestler on November 18, 1921, in Cleburne, Texas, Jack was raised in Port Arthur and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1940. He was a proud member and longtime supporter of the Yellow Jacket football team. In May of 1942, Jack and his cousin, Billy Straub, volunteered for service in the U. S. Army Air Corps. He was assigned to the Eighth Air Force-458th Bomber Group and spent eighteen months at the airbase in Norwich, England. While there, he became lifelong friends with Art Allen of Rochester, New York. In 1946, when returning to Port Arthur after Art's wedding, Jack met Marie Strong of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, when she boarded the train in Cincinnati. She said he just kept talking to her the whole way home-he said when he saw her he knew she was the girl for him, and they were married in 1948. Jack worked in the Product Control Lab at Texaco for forty-three years and then became a Senior Consultant for the AFL-CIO/COPE. He loved this job traveling to speak to Retiree Groups-"I'm going to speak to the old folks from the Communication Workers tomorrow; they've got to know what's at stake in this next election." and enjoyed the covered-dish lunches, especially since he got to make so many new friendshe never met a stranger. After Marie's death, Jack married Billie Tucker, a former classmate and longtime friend. They enjoyed sixteen happy years together volunteering in their community, spending time with family, and taking vacations. On their last great adventure, in 2008, they were determined to go to New York to see Art and his wife so the two war time buddies could be reunited after many years of letters, pictures, and New Year's Eve midnight phone calls. "Is Jack sleeping?? Wake him up!! Tell him Art wants to wish him a Happy New Year!!" Long before being recognized as part of the Greatest Generation, Jack and Marie set an example gleaned from their experiences during the Depression and the war years. Determined to make a better life for his children, Jack made sure Janice, Ed, Marian, and later, adored grandson Jason, always had everything they ever needed or wanted. Family and education were priorities, and Jack could be counted on to provide unwavering encouragement as well as emotional and financial support. He was so proud to be able to do this, and he continued to speak of it even as dementia began to take its toll on his mind and body. Jack loved to be involved in his community, and served as a coach, board member, and volunteer in many organizations. He was president of his local AARP chapter, a precinct chairman, a member of the American Legion, a charter member of the World War II Museum in New Orleans, and a Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus. The family will be forever grateful to Gary and Kris Wallace, Charlie and Terry Salazar, and Marcella Srubar, whose loving friendship and support helped Jack to remain in his home for as long as possible. Recently, Jack had made new friends at Comfort Keepers, The Forum at the Woodlands, Amada Senior Care, and The Pines at Oakhurst Memory Care Home. Their compassion and patience enabled Jack to be safe, happy, and comfortable in his final days. Jack is survived by his son Ed Kestler, Nederland, daughter and grandson, Janice and Jason McDonald, The Woodlands, and a large number of friends from his neighborhood, church, and the many roads he eagerly traveled during his long journey with us. We love you, Pop! Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 PM, Sunday, May 17, 2015, at Clayton-Thompson Funeral Home, 5200 39th St., Groves, Texas. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Monday, May 18, 2015, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 4600 Procter St., Port Arthur, Texas, the Rev. Stephen McCrate, celebrant. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.