Lonnie Hester

Lonnie was born on October 11, 1974 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Paul and Kathy Hester. He was raised in Hartford and graduated from Hartford High School in 1993. He later made his home in Hackett, where he became deeply rooted in his family, his church, his school, and the community he loved.

Lonnie was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Amity Baptist Church in Hackett. His faith was the foundation of his life, and he found comfort in knowing that his earthly life was not the end.

Lonnie dedicated his life to education and to serving young people. He began his career at Hackett High School as Head Football Coach, serving from 2014 to 2019. He went on to serve as Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and ultimately High School Principal. He earned his bachelor's degree from Arkansas Tech University, his master's degree from the University of Arkansas, and his Doctor of Education from Harding University.

Although his titles changed throughout his career, one title followed him everywhere: Coach Hester. His students, athletes, colleagues, and members of the community continued to call him Coach Hester long after he moved into administrative roles.

Lonnie cared deeply for his students and his staff. He believed in the young people he served and understood the lasting impact that a teacher, coach, and school leader could have on a person’s life. He was proud of his work, but more importantly, he was proud of the people he had the opportunity to encourage, teach, and lead.

But of all the titles Lonnie held, the ones that mattered most to him were Christian, husband, father, and grandfather.

He was a loving and faithful husband to Jody, whom he loved very much. He was a devoted father who loved his boys fiercely and a proud grandfather to his grandson, Sawyer Paul. His family was his greatest source of joy, and the love he had for them was clear in the way he lived his life.

Lonnie is survived by his wife, Jody Hester; his sons, Brady Hester and wife, Allie Willsey Hester, Avery Hester and wife, Sarah White Hester, and Peyton Hester and wife, Abbi Crawford Hester; his stepdaughter, Olivia Gaston; his stepson, Jack Gaston and wife, Alison Walsh Gaston; and his grandson, Sawyer Paul Hester. He is also survived by his parents, Paul and Kathy Hester; his brother, Woody Hester and wife, Amanda Hester and his nephews, Cogan Hester and Wyatt Hester.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jeff and Dorothy Hester and Harold and Effie Plunkett.

Lonnie leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his career. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, students and athletes whose lives he influenced, colleagues who respected and admired him, and a community that will forever remember him as Coach Hester.

Though his family and community mourn his loss, they find peace in knowing that Lonnie is now with his Savior. His earthly work is finished, but the impact of his life will continue through the people he loved, the students he served, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Memorial Service

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

11:00 a.m.

Hackett High School Gymnasium

Hackett, Arkansas

The service will be officiated by Ben Fisher.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the Hackett Scholarship Foundation for the establishment of the Dr. Lonnie Paul Hester Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is to be awarded annually to a Hackett High School senior pursuing a career in education or coaching. It is a fitting continuation of Lonnie’s belief that educators and coaches have the power to positively change the lives of young people. Checks may be made payable to HPSEF, P.O. Box 23, Hackett, AR 72937

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18