Charles Jestus

Charles Phillip Jestus, 65, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, at his home.

He was born Feb. 11, 1948, in Cairo, Ill., to Charles Lewis and Mary E. Moore Jestus. He graduated from Cairo High School.

Charles was an Army veteran serving in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart, received the Silver Rose Award from Jo Ann Emerson and the National Guard Award for his service in Vietnam from the governor of Missouri. While in Vietnam he was exposed to Agent Orange.

Phillip was a floral designer in the Cape Girardeau area many years. He volunteered for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Salvation Army, Food Pantry, Salvation Army Thrift Store, Humane Society of Southeast Missouri and various other charitable organizations. He was of the Baptist belief.

Survivors include a sister, Charlotte Jean Blaylock of Calvert City, Ky.; three nieces, Sandy (Ken) Furgerson of Dittmer, Mo., Judy Blaylock of Eddyville, Ky., and Andrea Appleton of Cape Girardeau; four great-nieces, Heather, Kayla, Jamie and Sara; a great-nephew, Roman; a great-great niece, Aneiha; and caregiver, Jimmy Fox of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donnie Jestus.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Kevin Ropp officiating. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.