George "Richard" Fester

George "Richard" Fester, 85, of Jefferson City, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Capital Region Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 11, 1934 in Centralia, Illinois, a son of the late George Frank and Dorothy (Miller) Fester. Richard was united in marriage on June 28, 1980 in Jefferson City to Judith A. Barker. Richard proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1952 until 1955 and then with the Marine Corps Reserve until 1960. During his service, Richard was baptized Catholic in 1955 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Richard was employed as a District Sales Manager with General Motors Corporation. He retired after 32 years of employment in 1987. Richard attended St. Louis University and Washington University in St. Louis. He was a member of the Marine Corps Association. Richard enjoyed painting, fishing, working in the yard and reading. Upon retirement, he enjoyed babysitting grand-children, metal detecting, canoeing, reading and playing with his dog, Doogie. Richard was an artist in his own right and was experienced in various forms of artistic media. He shared many of his paintings with his children over the years. Many family memories were made during trips to Pop and Grannie's for Thanksgiving and Christmas when football "bowl" games were played. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Judy; children: Daniel Fester (Rita) of Jefferson City, Joseph Fester (Debra) of Paola, Kansas, John Fester (Tommie) of Steelville, Michael Fester of Cave Creek, Arizona and Sarah Auxier of St. James; step- children: Lisa Songy (John) and Craig Kolb; brother: Robert Fester; numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his son: Edward Fester and brother: Bill Fester. Friends will be received from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors with funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be held after service at Riverview Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.