Dr. David Allen Kestel

Dr. David Allen Kestel passed away on December 6, 2016 surrounded by his loving family at CHRISTUS St. Patrick’s Hospital.

Dr. Kestel was born on January 8, 1947 in El Campo, Texas as the first of four children to Willard and Alline Kestel. He graduated from Bridge City High School in 1965 and then went on to earn his undergraduate degree in pre-dental studies from McNeese State University in 1969. He received his Doctorate of Medicine in Dentistry (D.M.D.) in 1973, from the University of Louisville, KY, where he met the love of his life and wife of 45 years, Donna Fort Kestel.

Dr. Kestel was a dedicated patriot and deeply loved his country, serving as a Captain in the United States Army. He was stationed at Ft. Polk from 1973 to 1975, continued in the Army Reserve and remained a dedicated Veteran all of his life. Following his service in the dental corps, he moved the family to Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1975, where he began private practice of family dentistry.

Dr. Kestel was a loving husband, father, grandfather (Poppy), son, brother and loyal friend. He had a kind and most generous heart, a vivacious spirit, a keen sense of humor and was fondly referred to as “The King.” He was a skilled outdoorsman and wildlife conservationist, who loved to share his passion for hunting, fishing and wildlife preservation. He was instrumental in establishing the Delta Waterfowl Gulf Coast Chapter, served as its chairman for 12 years, and remained an active participant. He enjoyed scuba diving and was a Certified Rescue Diver. He was an ardent supporter of the NRA serving as a sponsor, and was a member of the Calcasieu Investment Club.

He is a past president of the McNeese Alumni Association, was an avid McNeese Cowboy fan, a decades-long season ticket holder and a member of the Cowboy Club. He continued to enjoy visits to Kentucky and also supported his Louisville Cardinals in person when possible.  

Dr. Kestel was a greatly loved and respected Lake Charles area family dentist for over 43 years, and was immensely proud of his office, Dentistry on the Bayou.   Throughout his career, he considered his patients and amazing staff his family. He was dedicated to serving his profession on local, state and national levels. He served on the local board in many capacities including past president of the Southwest District Dental Association. He is a past president of the Louisiana Dental Association (1995-96) and was currently serving as the Louisiana Dental Political Action Committee (LADPAC) chairman. He received the LDA’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009. He was an elected Fellow of the American Academy of Dentistry, an elected Fellow of the American College of Dentists and was a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He is a past president of the Calcasieu Parish Study Club. Furthermore, he loved mentoring young professionals.

As member of University United Methodist Church, he served as an usher for many years at the traditional service. He loved people, wildlife, the great outdoors and was always rescuing something. He was happiest spending time with family and friends, in the duck blind, by the pool or on the beach.

Dr. Kestel is survived by his wife, Donna, and his daughters Amy Kestel and Stephanie Kestel Karpovs, son-in-law Dr. Anatole Karpovs and grandchildren Nikolai and Clara Karpovs, and Jett Bays. He is also survived by his mother, Alline Kestel, sisters Willyne Kestel and Jennifer Harris, sister-in-law Andrea Kestel, niece Kimberly Harris Presson (Danny) and his beloved dog, Bear. He was preceded in death by his father, Willard Kestel, brother, Willard “Buster” Kestel, Jr., and mother and father in law, Margaret and Prather Fort.

A memorial service celebrating his full life will be held in the sanctuary of University United Methodist Church on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 at 11am. Dr. John Robert Black, Reverend Frances “Boo” Kay, and Reverend Katie Simpson will officiate. Visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 from 4-7pm. Burial will be in Prien Memorial Park under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Lynn Bridges, Dr. Mike DeSanti, Dr. Michael DeSanti, Jr., Phillip DeSanti, Henry Liles, Stephen Liles, Dr. Terry Murphy, and Rick Vincent.  

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Anatole Karpovs, John Scott, Dr. Hugh Raetzsch, his Thursday Lunch Group (Dr. Rand Alexander, Bob Anderson, Dr. Rick Bercier, Paul Hebert, Judge John Hood and Dr. Alan Perry), and The King Duck Blind Crew (Mark Bordelon, Scott Broussard and Mark LeJeune).

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dr. Kestel’s name to the McNeese Alumni Association, University of Louisville Foundation or the Delta Waterfowl Gulf Coast Chapter.