Donald Vance Hester

Donald V. Hester (83) of Annandale VA, died peacefully in his sleep on August 31, 2025, at Arden Courts Memory Care. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, proud public servant and dedicated musician.

He was born June 11, 1942 in Oak Park, Illinois to Vance C. and Lella B. (nee Apple) Hester. After completing his BA at American University he pursued his life-long passion for international relations, completing a MPA from Syracuse University and a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. He proudly served the United States as a Foreign Service Officer for 25 years. He married Ingrid Hester in 1969, and together they raised a family while also on assignment in Canada, Chad, Rwanda, Pakistan and Liberia. Post-retirement, he served another 10 years on the State Department’s Political-Military Action Team. In addition, he devoted much time and energy to American University as an adjunct professor, was a founding member of AU’s Friends of the Library and served on its Library Council. Throughout, he steadfastly gave his time and musical talents to the City of Fairfax Band for 47 years as a euphonium player. As such, he participated in countless indoor and outdoor concerts as well as Fourth of July parades. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his bandmates and relished providing the gift of music to his community.

Don Hester leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Ingrid Hester; children Karen Abrams (Tim) of Washington DC and Nicole Hester of St. Augustine FL; grandchildren Claire, Daphne and Oliver; brothers Richard Hester of Coeymans Hollow NY and John Hester (Elaine) of Greenville SC; and niece and nephews Erich, Jonathan, and Katie.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CFB Association www.fairfaxband.org