Clyde Hester

Major Hester arrived in Montgomery in the early 1940s from Easton, PA, attended flying school at Maxwell, and flew C-47s during WW II. He was shot down behind enemy lines in China, walked out two weeks later with the aid of friendly Chinese and was awarded the Purple Heart. Following the war, he returned to Montgomery and continued his military career retiring in 1959. He subsequently attended Huntingdon and Montevallo colleges. He taught physics and chemistry at Lanier for 16 years and later at AUM for 6 years. Major Hester, a devout Christian was a beloved member of Memorial Presbyterian Church, a place he loved dearly and served faithfully. Words can not adequately explain the depth and ability to which he could light up the lives of the people around him. Caring, sweetness, faithfulness, honesty, sincerity, a true gentleman, all words that only scratch the surface of the man and his ability to communicate with and befriend anyone. Major Hester was a member of the Order of Daedalians, Military Officers Association of America, and the Alabama 60+ Golfers Association. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ida Hester. He is survived by his daughter, Judy Ramsey; granddaughter, Stacy Colquitt; great granddaughter, Emma Colquitt; nephew, Lowery Smith (Rita); niece, Elizabeth Guntert, sister-in-law, Peggy Smith, and his loving companion Betty Hudson. A Service of Resurrection will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at Memorial Presbyterian Church with Dr. Tom Boone officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Memorial Presbyterian Church.