Thomas Almon Kester, 80 years of age, passed away Sunday, February 11th, 2024. He was born on the island of Aruba, Netherland Antilles to Polly and Carl Kester and lived there until he was 17. When his family moved to the States, he owned neither a coat nor a television. Tom was truly an island boy enjoying diving, riding his bike, checking out the caves on Aruba and living the perfect life for a kid on a Caribbean Island.
At the age of 16 Tom skied into a dock and as a result had to have major surgery. Thanks to neighbors who were doctors and friends who donated blood, his life was saved. As a result of that accident, Tom has donated gallons of blood and it instilled in him a calling to help others. Tom joined the Tampa Police Department and after working there for 27 years, retired as a lieutenant. He loved his job and his Brothers in Blue. He was a member of Sertoma, Rotary, FOP and many other service clubs. Tom loved helping others and believed everyone had goodness in their hearts.
Tom's life was very interesting. He managed rental properties and ran a charter sailboat business out of Harbour Island. The charter business was going so well that he was about to buy a second boat when Harbour Island closed the marina. As an alternative, he and his wife Missy, moved onto the sailboat in 1995, went cruising and lived the boat life for 8 years. He amassed many trophies along the way sailing Hobies.
Tom was vice commander of the American Legion Post 5, learned country dancing at Post 138, worked in Savannah at the sailing venue for the 1996 Olympics, served as President of the Swann Estates Neighborhood Association and was a long-standing legacy member of Davis Island Yacht Club. He was most proud to be a host to a WWII veteran on an Honor Flight out of St. Petersburg to Washington DC. Tom served in the Army National Guard, honorably discharged and held the highest respect for all veterans.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Missy, son Cory (Chelsea) Kester, sister in laws Amanda (Bill) Whidden, Lindsey Church, niece Taylor Reyes, nephew Calen Whidden and brother Robert Kester.
Deepest thanks to his Brothers in Blue and the many friends that enriched his life. Hopefully in return, he enriched theirs.
A celebration will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Davis Island Yacht Club from 3:30 to 5:30 PM.
Island attire is suggested. Donations can be made to Chad's Promise, www.chadspromise.com, a facility that houses veterans' dogs at no charge when the veteran has to go to a hospital and there is no one else to step in and help. Burial will be held at American Legion Post 5 at a later date.
Previous Events
Celebration Of Life Gathering
3
Mar
1315 Severn Ave.
Tampa, FL 33606
