Kester Calvin Duran

Kester C. Duran, age 101, passed away October 8, 2016, in Yakima, WA. He was born to loving parents Claude and Parilee Jackson Duran in Delhi, Oklahoma on July 19, 1915. Kester grew up in Oklahoma. In 1942 he joined the U.S. Army and served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War 2. He served as a mechanic and by the end of his service he obtained the rank of Sergeant. He married Sylvia C. Behrends in March of 1946. During their life long relationship they raised 3 daughters and 1 son. They moved to Washington state and settled in the Yakima Valley. Kester was a jack of all trades; he farmed with his father, worked at the White Swan Lumber Mill, and raised honey bees. He was a member of the Wapato First Baptist church where he was a deacon, Sunday school teacher and choir member for many years.

Kester is survived by his children Saundra (Ken) Mayhak, Marcella (James) Cole, Elaine (Bob) Caufield, and Leon (Mary) Duran. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Kester is preceded in death by his lovely wife Sylvia.

Viewing and visitation will be held Friday, October 14, 2016 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home in Yakima, WA. A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 1:00 pm in the Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at West Hill Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cottage in the Meadow.

Those wishing to share a memory of Kester may do so at www.lepfuneralhome.com.