Delbert Dester

Delbert D. Dester, 80, of Spring Hill, Kansas passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at Hospice House of Olathe, Kansas at 7:05 pm. He was born on January 22, 1934 in Deer Creek, OK to Emil and Edna (Wicke) Dester. He married Lois D. Harriss on November 18, 1961 in Carlyle, IL . Surviving are his children Denise (Robert) Cossins of Spring Hill, KS and Gary (Toni) Dester of Saline, MI; eight grandchildren, Kris, Jacquelyn, Abigail, Daniel, Kayla, Emma, Jadon, and Heidi; two great-grandchildren, Liam and Penelope; brother James (Nancy) Dester of Sycamore, IL, brother-in-law Raymond Regier, and sister-in-law Daisy Dester, both of Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters. Del attended Bethel College in North Newton, KS, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1960 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering, and earned a Master's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University. Del began work at Caterpillar in 1960 and retired as a Senior Project Engineer in 1996, after 36 years of service at Building K in East Peoria, the Technical Center, and the Peoria Proving Grounds. He holds 12 patents as a result of his design efforts. Del was a long-time member of Calvary Evangelical Mennonite Church in Washington, IL, and served as deacon, trustee, teacher, and council member. He also helped coordinate building projects at the church facility and traveled to four countries on mission projects. His Christian faith was a very important part of his life, and his greatest desire was to share that faith with others. Del enjoyed working with his hands, repairing and building, and solving complex problems. He also enjoyed aircraft, was a licensed private pilot, a charter member of the local Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter, and built a two-place Vari-Eze composite plane. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11:00 am at Calvary Evangelical Mennonite Church in Washington, IL with Reverend Ken Sistrunk officiating. Visitation will be held at Calvary Evangelical Mennonite Church from 6:00?8:00 pm Friday, January 16, 2015 and Saturday, January 17 from 10:00 am until service time. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, Washington. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Calvary Evangelical Mennonite Church new building fund, the Hospice House of Olathe, Kansas, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com