Gerald Hester

Gerald Gene Hester, 83, passed away Friday, April 13, 2018 at his residence in Brandon. Visitation is 2-4 pm Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon.  Services are 2 pm Monday at the funeral home with burial in Crestview Memorial Gardens in Brandon.

Gerald married his high school sweetheart, Beverly, who after 64 years of marriage, still vividly remembers his “blonde hair and big smile.” For 33 years, Gerald worked for Illinois Central Railroad where he later became the Vice President of Operations. He also worked for Amtrak for 7 years where he became   Superintendent of the Mid-Western Division. Gerald enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating, and most of all, spending time with his entire family, his grand-and great-grandchildren having been blessed to make memories with him. Gerald was a beloved deacon and Sunday school teacher at Park Place Baptist Church where they refer to their church family as their family. He has always been largely involved with his church home wherever he lived. He’s inspired many with his unwavering faith, the fabric of who he was.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly Hester; daughter, Kathy DeKay (Harold) ; sons, Steven Hester (Marla) and Mark Hester (Debbie); grandchildren, Graham DeKay (Nicole), Jessica Hester, Nicole Hester, Aubrey Hester and Wyatt Hester; great-grandchildren, Liam and Mia DeKay.