Ivan Curtis Tester, age 87, passed away January 6, 2024 at his home. Ivan was born October 28, 1936 to the late Lon Tester and Ora Wilson Tester. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Tester.
Ivan proudly served in the Infantry Division of the United States Army from January 1955 to December 1957. He was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii where he was awarded the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) a goal earned by only 10% of those who attempt it. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant, a rank which he earned in only 13 months.
Ivan was a professional show horse trainer and fishing guide for many years. He also enjoyed hunting and gardening. In his later years, he was a wonderful caretaker for his wife. While Ivan lived in Neva, he was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
Those left to cherish his memories include his daughters, Margie Barker of Mountain City, TN, Audrey Weingarten of Frazier Park, CA; son, Jeff Tester of Mountain City, TN; sister, Eva Tester Carter of Charleston, SC; brother, Frank Tester of Mountain City, TN; grandchildren, Aspen and Josh Weingarten, Shelby and Abby Barker, Jeffery and Hunter Tester and Blaine Tester; great grandchildren, Willow, Breiah, Lukas, Elaine, Jeffrey (J.T.) Tester III; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
The family of Ivan Curtis Tester has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tennessee 37683.
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