James F. Hester's Obituary
James F. Hester, 78, went to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. James was born to Allie “Bernice” Strickland and Johnnie Jefferson Hester in Odessa, TX in Ector County on May 20 1937. He was raised in Hawkins, TX and graduated from High School there. He attended college in Tyler, and became a piping draftsman. He worked for Lone Star Steel, Eastman in Longview, Bechtel in Houston and Huntsman.
He married Trudy Dinning on July 2, 1966 and they were married 47 years. They had 2 children, James “Todd” and Karen Elizabeth. They were all charter members of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Longview. James and Trudy attended Calvary Baptist Church in Longview and he was a regular in Sunday School and Church, the kitchen crew, and the domino crew. He was in a metal detector club, and Eastman Ex’s card games, and loved spending time with his 7 grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his loving wife, Trudy Hester; his children James “Todd” Hester and Karen Hester Miller and husband Mark; his grandchildren Colin Groce, Macy Miller, Madison Miller, Micah Miller, Elizabeth Miller, Michael “Evan” Mattox, and Fletcher Hester; his brothers and their wives George and Mary Hester and Curtis and Francis Hester; and his sisters Peggy Irby and her husband Connie, Jean Hester, and Jacque Gibbs and her husband Todd.
The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5-7 PM at Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Hawkins Cemetery in Hawkins, TX, Wood County.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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