Ernest Carter Kestner

Rev. Ernest Carter Kestner, 82, of Salem, Va., went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 4, 2016. He was born in Draper, N.C. on Tuesday, July 25, 1933, son of the late Ernest Oakley Kestner and Lillian Carter Kestner. Rev. Kestner was a retired minister of the Appalachian Conference of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. He also spent 24 years serving the Salem Veterans Administration Medical Center. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Virginia Kestner; four daughters and one son, Gwen Woods and husband, Dan, of Falcon, N.C., Melinda Hopkins and husband, Richard, of Martinsville, Sheila Melki and husband, Pierre, of Roanoke, Darlene Ullom of Salem, Lawrence Kestner and wife, Cheryl, of Rock Hill, S.C.; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren with 3 more on the way; sister, Sarah Kestner London of Eden, N.C.; and numerous extended family members. The family expresses much thanks to the caregivers at the Richfield Recovery & Care Center of Salem. A period of visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 8, 2016, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2016, at Christian Life International Church located at 1 CLI Way in Salem with Pastor Ryan Linkous and Pastor Josh Kestner officiating. Burial will be at Sherwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, www.GentleShepherdhospice.com. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.First Visitation

Friday, July 8th, 2016 6:00pm - 8:00pm,

John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home

305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153

Service Information

Saturday, July 9th, 2016 11:00am,

Christian Life International Church

1 CLI Way Salem, Virginia 24153

Interment Location

Sherwood Memorial Park

1250 East Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153