October 24, 1952 – November 02, 2025
Terry Koester, age 73, passed away at his home in Fort Scott on Sunday, November 2, 2025. He was born on October 24, 1952 in Iola, Kansas to Archie and Arlene Koester. Terry graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1971 and received his Masters of Microbiology from Pittsburg State University. He married Marla Stanbrough on May 24, 1975 and they recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary. He was a member of Rinehart Christian Church. His love of the outdoors led him to establish Redbud Farms and Nurseries and is reflected in his landscape paintings displayed at the nursery.
Terry cherished his time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Marla, Fort Scott; two daughters: Tara (Jeff) Allen of Fort Scott and Kristen (Drew) Williams of Springfield, Missouri; five grandchildren: Alaina (Colten) Slinker, Parker Allen, Paxton Allen, Silas Williams and Jude Williams; and three sisters: Mendy (Mike) Engstrom, Laura George, and Julie Koester. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Kevin Moyers will conduct services at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 7, at Rinehart Christian Church, near Richards, Missouri. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 on Thursday evening at Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Rinehart Christian Church Missions and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S Main St, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
