Warren H. Berkstresser ( 94) passed away February 15, 2016, in Belton, MO.. His memorial service will be Monday, February 22, 11:00 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 2331 S. Ingram, Sedalia, MO., with a visitation time beforehand beginning at 10:00. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.
Warren was born September 6, 1921 in Versailles, MO, to James F. and Augusta Temme Berkstresser. He grew up on a farm northwest of Versailles and graduated from Versailles High School in 1939. During World War 2 he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to the end of the war in 1945. He was an Aviation Machinist Mate, 1st Class, based first at the Norman, OK Naval Air Station and then at Kaneohe Bay, HI.
On May 20, 1943, he married the love of his life, Esther Jean Smith of Stover, MO. They have two surviving children, Don Berkstresser (Barb) of Lee’s Summit, MO and Pam Creason (Fred) of Casper, WY. They also lost a son at birth, Blaine.
Following the war, Warren worked briefly as an auto mechanic in St. Louis, then moved to Sedalia in 1946. He worked several years for Meadow Gold dairy, and then for 27 years at Whiteman Air Force Base in the refrigeration shop, retiring in 1983.
Warren and Esther were long-time active members of Faith Baptist Church in Sedalia, where Warren enjoyed teaching a men’s Sunday School class and helping with many church activities. More importantly, Warren knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and he aspired to serve Him with his life.
Warren enjoyed his family, his church work, fishing and boating at the Lake of the Ozarks, deer hunting and tinkering around his home. In 2014, after 64 years in Sedalia, Warren and Esther moved to the Lee’s Summit area to be near their family.
Warren is survived by his wife of 72 years, Esther; son Don and daughter Pam; four grandchildren – Robert Berkstresser, Stephen Berkstresser, John Berkstresser and Deborah Cook; and five great-grandchildren – Amanda, Brandi, Christina, Alexandra and William.
Arr: Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, MO.
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