Michael David Nestor

Dr. Michael David Nestor passed away on March 18th, 2026, in Louisville, KY, surrounded by his family at home. He was 79 years old.

Born to Ernest and Dorothy Nestor on July 15th, 1946, in Charleston, WV, Dr. Nestor was a committed servant not only to his family but also to his country and community.

After growing up in Ashland, KY, and graduating in 1964 from Paul G. Blazer, he went on to further his education at the University of Kentucky. In 1968, he earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering. He worked as a chemical engineer at Ashland Oil until 1969 when he made the brave and honorable decision to join the United States Air Force.

In 1970, he completed Officer Training School in San Antonio, Texas, followed by pilot training at Laredo AFB. Within the same year, he also completed C-141 jet cargo training at Altus AFB, in southwestern Oklahoma. Subsequently, he was stationed at McGuire AFB, New Jersey, with the 6th Military Airlift Squadron. He flew missions to Vietnam, Europe, and Africa, piloting the C-141 aircraft as a Captain and Aircraft Commander until June of 1974.

Following his service in the Air Force, he returned to the University of Kentucky to attend the School of Medicine, graduating with an MD in 1978. He went on to become a board-certified anesthesiologist and dedicated the next 42 years to the practice of medicine.

Dr. Nestor practiced anesthesiology in Louisville, KY, for eight years before returning to his hometown of Ashland, KY. In 1993, he founded Ashland Anesthesia, PSC, which provided anesthesia services across multiple hospitals throughout the region. In 2020, he retired and moved to Louisville, KY, where he proudly embraced the role of Granddad.

Dr. Nestor held numerous positions within the hospital systems, including Chief of Anesthesia Services and Director of the Pain Committee. Additionally, he served on multiple committees, including the Medical Executive Committee, Credentials Committee, and Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee – testaments to his clinical expertise and administrative acumen.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Nestor was known for his intellectual curiosity and expansive knowledge. He had a deep appreciation for science, history, astronomy, and genealogy. Most notably, he spent over 40 years conducting genealogy research, resulting in the publication of a 1500-page genealogy book, which was later submitted to Ancestry.com where it remains today.

Above all else, Dr. Nestor cherished time spent with his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years, Julia Frowine Nestor, and his six children: Valerie (Otis) Colvin of Louisville, KY; Jake Watson of Lexington, KY; Rachel Snyder of Louisville, KY; Josh Nestor of Boston, MA; Michael Nestor of Louisville, KY; and Laura Nestor of Cincinnati, OH. He is also survived by his brother Steve (Jane) Nestor of Huntington, WV, sister Karen Nestor of Frankfort, KY, and beloved grandchildren: Anna, Natalie, Penny, Rhett & Oakleigh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Dorothy Strait Nestor, brother Ronald Nestor, and infant twin sons.

Dr. Michael David Nestor leaves behind a legacy defined by service and a life enriched by knowledge and devotion to family. His love will remain a lasting foundation for those who knew him.

Visitation will be held from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Ratterman Brothers, East Louisville (12900 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243) with a memorial service immediately following at 3:00pm.