Robert Clester

Robert R. Clester, 77, of Topeka, passed away, Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at Midland Hospice House, Topeka.

He was born August 17, 1926 at Belle Plaine, Kansas the son of Alex and Olwyn (Rowlands) Clester.

Mr. Clester was a 1943 graduate of Winfield High School. He attended Wichita State University and was a graduate of the 80th Session of the F.B.I. National Academy

Robert was a military veteran serving in the United States Navy during WWII.

He was elected Sheriff of Cowley County, Kansas and served in that capacity from 1959-1962. Robert then accepted an appointment to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation in 1962. He began his career as a Special Agent and retired as Special Agent in charge. He retired after twenty two years of service. Mr. Clester became the executive Director of The Kansas Sheriff's Association. In 1987 he was appointed Director of Security at the Kansas Lottery retiring in 1991.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #10, Kansas Peace Officer's Association, FBI National Academy, Kansas Sheriff's Association and St. John's Lutheran Church.

He married Martha J. Marquardt, May 30, 1948 at Winfield, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include:
One daughter, Marsha Schwyhart Lawrence, KS
Three grandchildren, Heather Lea Lambert Austin, TX
Cari Jo Schwyhart Lawrence, KS
Katie Clester Schwyhart Lawrence, KS
Two sisters, Marjorie Mallatt Winfield, KS
Lexie Hamblin Derby, KS
One brother, Sam Clester Belle Plaine, KS

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 21, 2004 at St. John's Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Mr. Clester will lie in state after 12:00 noon Friday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Friday. Memorial contributions may be given to Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, c/o Commerce Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 5049, Topeka, KS 66605. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.penwell-gabel.com.