R. Russell Hester

HESTER, HOCKETT, WETRICH, OBLINGER, BROWN

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 4/20/2006 at 17:23:50

McKee Funeral Homes - Earlham/Dexter

Russell Hester
May 13, 1905 - July 23, 1982

Russell Hester, the son of Jesse and Olive Hockett Hester, was born May 13, 1905 in Earlham, Iowa. He passed away at the Earlham Manor Care Center on July 23, 1982 after a lengthy illness.

Russell grew up in the Earlham community. He attended Penn Township school and in 1922 graduated from Earlham High School. He attended William Penn College for one year.

On June 19, 1927 he was united in marriage to Hazel Wetrich in Des Moines, Iowa. Two sons and one daughter blessed their marriage.

Russell farmed in the Earlham community until poor health forced him to retire in 1967. In 1970, he and Hazel moved into their home in Earlham. In 1976 failing health made it necessary for him to enter the Earlham Manor Care Center where he resided until his death.

Russell was a birthright member of the Earlham Friends Church. He enjoyed singing in the church choir and for many years was a member of the men's quartet. He enjoyed sports and was always an avid sports fan.

Survivors include his loving wife Hazel; two sons, Robert of Earlham and Harold of Capistrano, California; one daughter, Mrs. Zelda Oblinger of Coralville, Iowa; ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren; also, one sister, Mrs. Wilma Brown of Thousand Oaks, California; three brothers, Herschel Hester of Des Moines and Howard Hester of Merced, California; one step brother, Ralph Hester of Fremont, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one step brother, Thomas, one step sister, Ethel and one infant grandson.

Services were held at the Earlham Friends Church July 26 with Pastor Eldon Cole officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Irene Cole. Casket bearers were Russell Bricker, Graham Godby, Beryl Kenworthy, Wayne Koboldt, Russell Ralston and John Williamson. Interment was at Earlham Cemetery. Professional arrangements by McKee Funeral Homes, Earlham and Dexter.

Gravestone Photo
 

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