Thomas Eugene Jester

FUNERAL:  10 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2017, at VFW Post 1987, 215 North National Road, Columbus, Indiana OFFICIANT:  Rev. Robert Lay CALLING:  4-8 p.m. Friday at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the VFW BURIAL:  Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors presented by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard MEMORIAL DONATIONS:  Young Marines through the funeral home To view Thomas' memorial video, please CLICK HERE Thomas Eugene Jester, 83, of Hope, died at 4:37 p.m. February 13, 2017, at Columbus Regional Hospital. Thomas was born January 1, 1934, in New Castle, Indiana, the son of Joe and Frances Pauline Jackson Jester. He first married Mary Freida Fields in 1953followed by Carolyn Helwig who passed away on May 31, 1976.  He then married Marilyn Sarber Buis who survives him. He was previously employed in car sales, beverage sales, and insurance sales and was a real estate broker. He was a U.S. marine veteran, having served in the infantry division. Thomas was highly involved in military organizations including past commander of VFW and was a member of the American Legion, Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard, 40&8 Organization and Marine Corps League, Elks and Eagles. He was also past veteran’s affairs officer and founded Columbus Young Marines. Thomas was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Shrine, Moose Lodge, High 12 Club and Scottish Rite. He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Frank O’Bannon. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; children, Wilma Jean (Gene) Thompson of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Mary Frances (Mike) Moody of Westport, Jennifer Lynn McKenzie of Mississippi, Teresa (Gill) Pierce of Elizabethtown , Jeffrey (Lisa) Buis of New Palestine, Indiana and Cynthia (Robert) Canaday of Hope; 18 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and cousins, Gary Jackson of Iowa and Jack Duhling of Illinois.