Master Sergeant Thomas Edward Jester, USA, retired, age 55, of Gurdon passed from this life on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 near Hollywood. He was born on September 17, 1954 in Gurdon, the son of Ottis Thomas and Mary Frances Moseley Jester. Tom was a heavy equipment operator and served for twenty-two years in the United States Army. He was preceded in death by his mother and his grandson, Austin Rogers. Tom is survived by his wife, Patricia Raaymakers Jester of Gurdon, one daughter, Virginia (Steven) Rogers of Bismarck, his father and stepmother, Ottis and Lynn Jester of Gurdon, three sisters, Linda Smith of Joan, Teresa Jester of Little Rock and Apple Jester of Curtis, four brothers, Randy, David and George Jester, all of Curtis and Robert Jester of Hot Springs and one granddaughter, Ashleigh Rogers. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 22, 2010 at Rose Hedge Cemetery in Gurdon with Bro. Phillip Runyan officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Saturday at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Clark County, 627 Walnut Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. Services are entrusted to Welch Funeral Home. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the online guest book.