Harold Eugene Hester (2006)

COMPTON, HESTER, OBLINGER

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 1/5/2008 at 08:35:11

Earlham Library Obituary Collection
Earlham, Iowa
April 2006

Harold Eugene Hester
August 16, 1931-April 18, 2006

Harold was the son of Russell and Hazel Hester of Earlham, Iowa and attended the schools there and graduated from Earlham High School in 1949 where he was active in sports, music and student government. After his graduation from Iowa State Teacher's College (now known as the University of Northern Iowa) he married Virginia Compton on June 14, 1953 and they were blessed with three sons and seven grandchildren. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war and at its conclusion he returned to Redfield, IA where he became a successful teacher, coach and high school principal. In 1958 he moved his family to California and continued his career in public education as a teacher and school administrator. His graduate education was completed at Drake University, Des Moines, IA, Claremont Colleges and USC in CA where he received his doctorate in education. His final position was Director of Secondary Education at the Capistrano Unified School District. During his 37 years associated with education he served as a teacher, college professor, coach, principal and district administrator. After his family and friends, Harold enjoyed motorcycling, playing his guitar, golfing, traveling, writing and his church.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, son Brian and daughter-in-law Janet, their children, Kelly, Kyle and Erin, son Brad and daughter-in-law Dawn and their children Lauren and Ashley and son Grant and his sons Andrew and Adam, his sister and brother-in-law Zelda and Tom Oblinger, sister-in-law Helen Hester and nieces and nephews and their families and a multitude of friends and fellow educators.

A memorial service will be held at 10 AM Saturday, May 6 at the Community Baptist Church in Fallbrook, CA.