Gene Hester

Claire E. “Gene” Hester, age 68 of Beardstown, died Saturday, October 15, 2016 at his home.

He was born October 4, 1948 in McDonough County, the son of Thomas C. and Mary Regina Roate Hester. He married Maxine Merriman on October 19, 1985.

Surviving is his wife Maxine “Mac” Hester of Beardstown; four sons Brian A. (wife Lynette) Hester of Fayetville, NC, and their sons Austin and Bryce Hester, Robert E. (wife Angie) Hester of Cooperstown and their daughters Jade and Ciera, Michael R. (wife Angie) Dyche Jr. of Rushville and their children Kaitlyn and Keaton (wife Ellie) Dyche, Howard Stephen (spouse Rick Taylor) Dyche of Beardstown, and a daughter Melissa Clements (husband Bruce) of Rushville and family; four sisters Rosemary (husband George) Jackson, Sandra (husband Gary) Perry, Laura Grace (deceased husband Larry) Vose, and Debra (deceased husband Bud) Davidson; two brothers Randall (wife Charlotte) Hester and Maurice (wife Jackie) Hester; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gene graduated from Brown County High School in the class of 1968. He served in the United States Army with the Combat Engineers in the Third Infantry Division in Germany, and the 222nd Combat Engineers in the South Pacific. Gene began his career for Local #965 Operating Engineers in Springfield in 1966 and retired after 40+ years of service. He enjoyed the outdoors whether it be camping, hunting fishing or gardening. Gene liked to pass the time piddling around the house or carving deer antlers. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and he will be greatly missed by all.

Memorial services will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown with Reverend Fred Fritz officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the services at the memorial home.

Memorials have been suggested to Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice.

Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.