Donald Norman Hester, Jr., 79, husband of Judith Ann (Burwell) Hester, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Better known by his friends as Don, he succumbed after a long battle with multiple serious diseases.
Born in Keokuk, IA, he was the son of Clara Pauline Starr Hester and was one of three brothers and two sisters. While in IA, he had many interests, to include race car driving and the repairing of cars. Later in life, he also was involved in competitive sailing; after graduating from high school, Don began active duty in the United States Air Force as a Programming Technician.
During his 20 years of active service, he had numerous assignments which took him to seven major military installations, finally retiring from service at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. After reentering civilian life, he began work as a computer programmer for Unisys at both its Florida and Minnesota locations. His knowledge of computers and computer programming was extensive, and he was recognized for his accomplishments by earning a patent for his work.
He is survived by his wife Judi of 39 years. Don had four daughters, ten grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Graveyard services will be performed at Bushnell National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11 am.
