David L. Hardester

1947 - 2012

David Louis Hardester, 65, Festus, formerly of St. Clair, departed this life in Festus Friday, April 13, 2012.

Mr. Hardester was born in St. Louis March 31, 1947, the son of Roy Lee Hardester and wife Marie Agnes, nee Church.

As a young man, he was blessed to have two daughters.

Mr. Hardester is survived by his daughters, Pam Joseph and husband Mitch, Sealy, Texas, and Kathy Brakhage, Oklahoma state; three brothers, Lee Hardester and wife Gale, Gregg Hardester and Gary Hardester and wife Karen, all of St. Clair; two sisters, Sandra Mueller and husband Edward, Union, and Christina Kitchen and husband Mark, St. Louis; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one aunt; one uncle; nieces; nephews; great-nieces and -nephews; cousins; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Marie Hardester; two brothers, Tom and Rickey Hardester; and one grandchild, Daniel O'Hara.

Mr. Hardester was a Christian, believing in the Lord as his Savior, and was a past member of Dittmer Bible Church, Dittmer.

He was proud to have served his country during the Vietnam War, entering Oct. 1, 1965, and receiving his honorable discharge June 20, 1969.

As a young man in the 1970s, Mr. Hardester was employed by Western Electric Company and worked at various locations throughout the United States. This is where he developed his love for fixing and tinkering with electronics.

Mr. Hardester was passionate about his faith, reading his Bible and praying every day. Most of all, he loved his family, and the many precious memories they have created will be cherished by them all forever.

Graveside services were held Saturday, April 14, at Prospect Cemetery, Lonedell, with Tony Mullaney officiating.

Memorials to Prospect Cemetery, Lonedell, are preferred.

The family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home, St. Clair.