CENTERBURG — Kenneth Eyster, 80, of Centerburg died Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at his residence.
Kenneth was born Oct. 19, 1929, in Mount Vernon to Howard H. Eyster and Viola (Perrine) Eyster. He was a graduate of Mount Vernon High School, served with the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1952 and was stationed in Germany. Following his military service Ken returned to Knox County and was employed at Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. in Mount Vernon. In 1954, he founded Heritage Gunsmith Inc., a custom gunsmith business that remains an Eyster family business to this day.
He was a member of the Milford Church of Christ; Mount Zion Lodge 9, Free and Accepted Masons, in Mount Vernon; the National Rifle Association; and numerous conservation and sport shooting associations.
Surviving are his wife, Dorothy (Larimore) Eyster, whom he married Jan. 26, 1957; sons, Terry (Wendy) Eyster of Mount Vernon, John Eyster of Columbus, and Jim (Beth) Eyster and Tim Eyster, both of Centerburg; six grandchildren, Jennifer Chrestman of Byhalia, Miss., Kenny Eyster of Fort Wayne, Ind., Tony Icenhower of Mount Vernon, Amanda Lucas of Sunbury, and Evan Eyster and Daniel Eyster, both of Centerburg; eight great-grandchildren, Jordain, Issac, Jacob, Jocelyn, Jasmine, Elisa, Tracy and Angel; and his sister, Barbara (Ken) Easterday of Woodstock, Ill.
Besides his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph Eyster and Dean Eyster.
Friends may call today from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home, 619 E. High St., Mount Vernon, where Mount Zion Lodge will hold Masonic memorial services following calling hours. Funeral services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the Milford Church of Christ with Gary Thomas and Evangelist Fred Albrecht officiating. Burial with military honors by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council will follow at Lock Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, OH 43055. To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Kenneth Eyster.

