Robert Paul "Bob" Nester

1937 - 2010

(1937-2010)
Robert Paul (Bob) Nester passed away on Friday, December 31, 2010, at the age of 73. Bob, a lifetime resident of Laton, was born on June 11, 1937 in Hanford, California to Helene Eigenman-Nester and Alfred J. Nester.

Being the son of the local constable, Bob developed a unique resourcefulness, craftiness and sense of humor about him. He was well known for his practical jokes, storytelling, and the nicknames he gave to everyone. He was fondly known for his "gift of gab;" he was friends with everyone and knew no strangers. He was also well known for his ability to build and fix things - cars, buildings, pretty much anything. He even physically built his own mountain cabin with the help of good friends. Bob often received calls at all hours from his many friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances when they needed a hand fixing something, and of course he was always there to help. Besides tinkering and fixing things, one of Bob's greatest joys was "collecting," and he had a lifetime of "treasures" to share with all his friends. Some might say he was a bit eccentric, but to those who knew him he was just being Bob, or Pop. He will be remembered most for his very generous and caring heart. He will be deeply missed.

Bob graduated from Laton High School in 1956 and attended College of Sequoias before marrying the love of his life, Margaret (Marky) Alice Raven-Nester on February 26, 1960. They made their home in Laton and raised four children together. They enjoyed family time, and especially spoiling the grandchildren in later years. Bob was an active member of the Laton community, where he gave many years of dedicated service. He served as board member for the Laton Community Services District and for the Oak Grove Cemetery Board. Bob gave years of service to the Laton Volunteer Fire Department and served as fire chief for 22 years. Bob was honored as Citizen of the Year in 1976 by the Laton Chamber of Commerce. Bob retired from his position as maintenance supervisor for Laton Unified School District in January 2000, after 37 years of service for the district. After caring for his loving wife during several years of illness, he lost her in that same year, March 13, 2000.

Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Marky Nester; his father, Alfred J. Nester; and his aunt, Doris (Dodie) Blanchard; all of Laton.

He is survived by his mother, Helene Eigenman-Bamborough of Fresno; his aunt, Betty Irvin of Fresno; his aunt Jean Osborne of Laton, his sister and husband, Shirley and Stan Weber of Fresno; his three daughters and one son, eleven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren: daughter and husband, Kristi and Fred Anderson of Laton; granddaughter, Brigette Anderson of Lemoore; great grandson, Izak Anderson-Perez, great granddaughter, Sky Garcia; grandson and wife, Richie and Kendra Anderson of Laton; great grandson, Malakhai Anderson; daughter and husband, Robin and Tom Parrish, of Hanford; grandsons Joshua Parrish of Bountiful, Utah and Nicholas Parrish of Visalia and granddaughters Amy Parrish of Tulare and Madison Parrish of Hanford; great grandsons TJ and Brody Parrish; son and wife, Robert Paul (Bobby), Jr. and Karen Nester, and grandson Jonah Nester, and granddaughters Jazmine and Raven Nester, all of Hanford; daughter and husband, Suzanne and Frank Abina, and grandsons, Robbie and Zachary Abina, and great grandsons, Andrew and Adrian Abina, all of Laton.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Oak Grove Cemetery, 19811 Cedar Ave., Laton, CA.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in Bob's name to UCSF Foundation, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic, Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339, www.onlinegiving@UCSF.edu.

Arrangements entrusted to Page Funeral Chapel, 2014 Arrants St., Selma, CA 93662, 559-896-1240, www.pagefuneralchapel.com.