Jacob Ashton Wester, age 28, went to his heavenly home on Friday, April 25th, 2025. He lived in a group home for special needs adults in Wichita, KS.
Jacob was born October 18, 1996, to Richard and René Wester in Liberal, Kansas. Though Jacob faced challenges most cannot even imagine, he lived with a joy that was radiant and a purity that reflected the heart of Jesus. In August, 2007 Jacob began attending Heartspring Therapeutic Residential and School facility in Wichita, KS. The staff came to know what his family had always known – Jacob was a blessing. His smile could light up a room and his laughter was like a glimpse of heaven. He graduated from Heartspring in May, 2018.
Most recently Jacob was living in a Starkey, Inc. home and attended a day program in Wichita. He touched the lives of many in the simplest yet most profound ways. His smile, contagious laugh, loving interactions, and games leaves a smile and sweet memories with everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Jacob didn’t need words to show how deeply he cared – his life was a testimony to the kind of love God calls us all to share.
We love Jacob very very much and will miss him immensely. This separation will be for a short time until we are with him again for all of eternity. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 states “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.” So, our sweet boy is healed and in the arms of Jesus – whole, free, and filled with the joy of heaven.
We also take comfort from Revelation 21: 4. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” So Jacob is in heaven now where there is no more sorrow and joy is forever.
Jacob is survived by his loving parents, Richard and Rene’ Wester; his two brothers, Zachary (wife Kayla, and children John and Samuel) and Luke, all of Liberal. More family includes aunts – Delores, Mary, Ruth, and Geri Wester, June Bartlett (Mike), Andrea Huston, and Rita Knop (Kent) and uncles – Tom (Linda) and Joel Wester, Teryl (Donna) and Rex (Opal) Rorabaugh. Jacob also is blessed to have numerous cousins who cherished him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Gerry Wester, Doyle and Jo Rorabaugh and uncles Doyle Lynn Rorabaugh and Tom Huston.
Jacob’s time on earth, while shorter than we hoped, showed us how to love freely, forgive easily, and live with a childlike joy. Jacob, you are deeply loved and the sweet memories will remain in our hearts until we see you again in heaven.
Visitation will be 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas. The family will be present 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM to greet friends.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Fellowship Baptist Church, 310 W. Pancake Blvd, Liberal, Kansas with Pastor Tyler Prater presiding.

Interment will follow at the Liberal Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Fellowship Baptist Academy in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas.

Jacob’s Service will be livestreamed on the Fellowship Baptist Church of Liberal, Kansas YouTube page. Please search for Fellowship Baptist Church of Liberal and subscribe. The livestream will start just before service time.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com