Jack Hester

Born September 3, 1927 in Kansas, IL to Walker and Effie (Hall) Hester, he married Leota Johnson on September 9, 1950 in Normandale. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, James (Nancy) Hester of Pekin, Virgil (Gerrilynne) Hester of Edelstein; three daughters, Jackie (Phil) Sweeney of Pekin, Julie (Terry) Richards of Marquette Heights, Melody (Keith) Deweese of Kilbourne; seven grandchildren, Jason Heater, Stephanie Moser, Stacie (Brian) Lealand, Terry Lee (Veronicah) Richards II, Jeremy Richards, Joshua (Jenifer) Deweese, Jessica (Ronald) Cozad; Six great-grandchildren, Anna Colclasure, Scarlet Lealand, Brady Moser, Elisabeth Moser, Dominic Lealand, Caleb "Ca-Bob" Deweese; and one sister, Olivine Thomas of Havana.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Calvin Wayne Hester.

He had served in the United States Army.

Jack had worked for Corn Products Corporation in Pekin for 33 years, retiring in 1980.

He had belonged to the Moffett Park Gun Club and the Mason City Gun Club.

Jack had a great sense of humor and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2014 at Breaking Free Ministries Church in East Peoria. Pastor Larry Cravens will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 4722 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61614.