James E. Kister Sr.

James E. Kister, Sr., 61, Kyle Rd., Dorset Twp, died Monday morning at his residence following a long battle with cancer.

He was born June 16, 1942 in Ashtabula, the son of Earl A. & Betty J. (Nibert) Kister and has resided in this area most of his life, living in Arizona and Nevada for a few years. He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force and was a heavy equipment operator with Koski Construction, taking retirement in 2002.

He was a member of Operating Engineers Local #18 and enjoyed animals, fishing, gardening, woodworking and house remodeling.

Survivors include his wife, Holly A. (Painter) Kister, whom he married on August 26, 1995 in Greenup, Ky., his mother, Betty J. Kister of N. Kingsville, five children, Lisa A. Wilks of Bellevue, NE., Tina M. Gau of Dorset Twp., Krissy M. Dubsky of Lakewood, Stacey L. Kister of Madison and Jimmy E. Kister, Jr. of Doylestown, Pa., seven grandchildren and two sisters, Barbara L. Kray & Kathy J. Marcy, both of N. Kingsville.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earl A. Kister in 2003, two sons, Michael J. Kister in 1994 and Rolland J. Gau in 2001 and a brother, Charles E. Kister in 2002.

Funeral services will be Thursday at 11:00 A. M. at the Fleming Funeral Home, Inc., 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, with the Rev. Kenneth of the Pentecostal Church of God officiating. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery where Geneva Post #6846 of the V. F. W. will provide military honors.

Calling hours will be Wednesday evening from 6-9 P. M. at the funeral home. Contributions may be directed to the family, c/o Holly A. Kister, 4511 Kyle Rd., Dorset, Ohio 44032, envelopes will also be at the funeral home. flemingfuneralhome.com www.legacy.com