Theodore Kevin Priester

Theodore Kevin Priester, 59, of Cape Girardeau passed unexpectedly during emergency surgery Thursday, March 22, 2018, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.

He was born Nov. 15, 1958, in St. Louis to Theodore and Virginia Priester. He married the love of his life, Dominique Tipsword, on Dec. 30, 1978. She survives.

Kevin's accomplishments were many and varied. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1977 to 1983. It was in the Air Force he fell in love with Dominique and discovered his passion for serving the community by providing safe and clean water. After his military service, Kevin and his family moved to Michigan where he continued working in the water industry and pursued many interests, including hunting, fishing, scuba diving and winning chili cook-offs. He returned to the St. Louis area for several years before settling in the Cape Girardeau community. As his three children grew, Kevin's attention was always focused on them and their activities. He was an enthusiastic and loving coach of many sports for his children. His favorite sport was soccer, and he continued to coach for the Southeast Missouri Soccer Club, even after his own children were grown. Hundreds of area athletes have called Kevin "Coach" throughout his time in Southeast Missouri.

Kevin was extremely active in his community. He never turned down an opportunity to volunteer or help anyone. All you had to do was ask. He was a founding member of The Discovery Playhouse, a community staple that has brought joy and education to thousands of children. In the past, he was also a board member of The Humane Society of SEMO, The Glenn House, JAOSA, Leadership Cape and the Southeast Missouri Historical Society Board of Directors. He won many awards in the water industry and was continually recognized for his excellence and dedication on the state and national level.

Kevin was passionate about many things in life, but the most important to him was his family. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather who offered unwavering support and love. Kevin was adored by his three children and three grandchildren. Kevin loved holidays and many memories were made carving pumpkins, decorating cookies, having elaborate Easter-egg hunts, and putting on the best fireworks display at his home.

Kevin's surviving family includes his wife, Dominique of Jackson; daughter, Kelly (Adam) Cox of Cape Girardeau; son, Zachary Priester of Jackson; daughter, Shay Priester of Cape Girardeau; special grandchildren Connor Earnest, Olivia Cox and Estella Cox; stepfather, John Myerscough of St. Louis; sisters, Gina (Bruce) Dingman of Minneapolis and Rebecca (Keith) Chipman of Wilmington, North Carolina; brother, Brian (Sara) Priester of Detroit; sister, Angela Myerscough of St. Louis; sister, Christine (Jimmie) Vogt of St. Louis; brother, John Morice of St. Louis; mother-in-law, Ginette Tipsword of Cape Girardeau; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Joseph Myerscough.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Rosary will be at 8 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with the Rev. Rick Jones officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be sent to The Discovery Playhouse, 502 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701; The Glenn House, through the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau; or a donation to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.