Kenneth K. Kesterson Sr.

Kenneth K. Kesterson Sr. ObituaryKenneth Kelles Kesterson, Sr., age 94, of Whiteford, Maryland, died peacefully at home on Friday, May 30, 2025. His life began June 12, 1930, when he was born to the late James Francis Kesterson and Mary Ann (Stace) Kesterson in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. His siblings, Mary Francis (Hulls), Clara Belle (Stevenson), Paul David Kesterson, Rose Marie (Fuller), and Katherine Elizabeth (Teagardner) preceded him in death.
In 1951, on February 25, in Decatur, Indiana, he married Edith Louella Brand (deceased 2023) from Columbus, Ohio whom he was married to for nearly seventy-two years.
He is survived by his seven children, Vicki Preston (Barry), Elizabeth Graham (Steve), Sarah Kiel (Wesley), Grace Bourke (Tom), Kenneth Kesterson, Jr. (Emma), Christina Talmadge (Brian), and Paul Kesterson (Christine). He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, thirty-two great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Kenneth loved his family!
A veteran of the Korean War, Kenneth served in the United States Navy from July 7, 1947, to May 28, 1952, serving as Boilerman Second Class on the USS Oglethorpe (AKA 100) and on the USS Severn (AO 61). During his military service he was awarded the Navy Occupation Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal.
Following his military service, his chief occupation was working as a steamfitter for the SteamFitters Union Local 486. He also maintained a small farm in Whiteford, Maryland, where he and his wife raised their family.
Kenneth and his wife taught the children the value of working hard ("If you are going to do something, do it right or don't do it at all."), of showing respect to others, of helping others, and of having a strong faith in God. He will be remembered for his witty expressions that made people laugh, for sharing his expertise on how to work on farm equipment and vehicles, on brakes and universals and transmissions, for taking the children on Sunday drives in his pick-up truck, and for being fun. He will be remembered for his concern and care for the needs of others, especially widows and shut-ins.
On the front porch of his home there is a sign that says, "An old sailor and his first mate live here." Kenneth has left this world to be with his first mate again and to be with his Lord and Savior. He will be greatly missed.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Reformation Bible Church, 1736 Whiteford Road, Darlington, Maryland. Visitation with family and friends is at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service is at 11:00 a.m., followed by the burial at Harford Memorial Gardens 3839 Aldino Road, Aberdeen, Maryland, at 12:15 p.m. Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 134 W. Broadway, Red Lion, is assisting the family with arrangements on behalf of Harkins Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Reformation Bible Church, Darlington, Maryland.
The family would like readers to know that the below message is not associated with the family wishes.
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Kenneth Kelles Kesterson, Sr., age 94, of Whiteford, Maryland, died peacefully at home on Friday, May 30, 2025. His life began June 12, 1930, when he was born to the late James Francis Kesterson and Mary Ann (Stace) Kesterson in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. His siblings, Mary Francis (Hulls), Clara Belle (Stevenson), Paul David Kesterson, Ro