Andrew Stephen "Steve" Kester

1932 - 2021

Andrew Stephen (Steve) Kester

Long-time Denton resident, Andrew Stephen (Steve) Kester, 88, passed away on January 9, 2021 from COVID-19.

Steve was born September 1, 1932 in Abington, Pennsylvania to Howard and Lydie Kester. He grew up in Newtown where he graduated from George School. After his graduation from Penn State University, Steve served in the US Army Chemical Corp finding ways to quickly identify pathogens. Following his army service, he earned his PhD in microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin and went on to work for Miles Laboratories in Elkhart, Indiana. In 1967, Steve joined the faculty of the Biological Sciences Department at UNT teaching microbiology. After his retirement, he loved playing golf as often as he could.

At home Steve shared the family cooking, and many of his recipes are now used by his grandchildren. Steve was also a deep thinker about life, and he engagingly shared his ideas with others along with a broad sense of humor. This quiet, thoughtful, reliable man will be missed.

Steve is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marian; daughter, Sue Harkreader (Larry); son, Bill Kester (Beth); grandsons Matthew Harkreader (Colleen) and Ian Harkssen (Sarah); granddaughter, Harley Kester and great-grandson, Wyatt Harkreader. He is also survived by his sister, Cynthia Kester. He was predeceased by his parents, a sister and brother.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. If you would like to give a memoriam, the family would suggest Environmental Defense Fund, or the charity of your choice.