Richard H. Clester, 96, leaves behind a legacy filled with warmth and kindness. He touched many lives with his generous spirit and will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. He has embarked on a new journey, forever in our hearts.
Born on May 5, 1935, in Kokomo, Indiana, he lived a life marked by love, dedication and strength. On July 5, 2026, Richard H. Clester embarked on his next big adventure as he left us from Georgetown Living Alzheimer’s. Born in Kokomo, Indiana, he was the oldest and only surviving child of four children, Janet Cain (Mother), H. B. Clester (father), Patty Clester Watson (Rex), Cliff Clester (Carolyn), and USMC Doug Clester (Jane). After leaving the Air Force he attended Indiana University where he met and married Harriet Remick. They spent the next 70 years adventuring together. After retiring from the corporate world of newspapers, radio, TV and cable, they moved from Washington State to Texas. Forty years in Georgetown, led him to First United Methodist Church Georgetown where he served in many ways as Stephen Minister, Sunday School President, driver for Faith in Action and teacher for UMCOR Disaster Relief and Recovery. After the Walk to Emmaus, his life was devoted to missions. He led and attended overseas mission groups and participated in the UMCOR Disaster relief and Recovery whenever he was called. He and Harriet traveled to every continent and seriously enjoyed tennis and golf at Berry Creek Country Club until Alzheimer’s took over.
Always an optimist, his motto was “Yes we can, just do it”. Their children Kelli Clester Wayland (Steven) (Spring, Texas), Travis Clester (Knoxville, Tennessee) and Clayton Clester (Patrice) (Bethel, Maine) and one grandchild, Jackson Clester (Knoxville, Tennessee) all appreciate the opportunities provided for their education, travel, work ethic and love of outdoors (including climbing 3 mountains in Washington with his sons). Many labrador retrievers are no doubt waiting at the Rainbow Bridge.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with Rev. Tina Schramme, officiating at First United Methodist Church Georgetown. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your favorite mission.