Curtis Eugene Hester passed away on the morning of December 1, 2024.
Born on September 3, 1944, Curtis was the second child of Owen and Vera Hester, who raised him in Anderson, Indiana.
Curtis graduated from Madison Heights High School before beginning a career at Delco Remy. During the Vietnam War, Curtis and his friend enlisted in the Army Reserves—a decision that Curtis often recounted with a grin, joking that on the drive to enlist, he turned to his friend and said, “I forgot to tell you one thing—we have to jump out of airplanes.”
That moment would profoundly shape the rest of his life.
Curtis proudly served as a Sergeant (E5) in the elite Company D, 151st Airborne Rangers—the only National Guard infantry unit deployed to Vietnam. Out of the 204 men who deployed, seven were lost in combat. The Indiana Rangers compiled one of the most impressive combat records of any Army infantry company. For his heroism and sacrifice, Curtis was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor, a Purple Heart, and a Silver Cross.
After returning home, Curtis resumed his career at Delco Remy. He carried the same grit and perseverance from his military service into every aspect of his life. “Up the hill, down the hill,” he would often say—a phrase from his Ranger days that became a personal motto.
While fiercely proud of his service and the men he fought beside, Curtis also bore the hidden wounds of war. His exposure to Agent Orange would lead to numerous health challenges later in life. Despite it all, he kept a sharp wit, strength, and enduring sense of humor.
Curtis lived life fully and on his own terms. He loved hunting with his brother and nephews, visiting casinos, enjoying a nightcap on the patio, and spending time with his beloved wife and best friend of 38 years, Karla.
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Vera Hester; his brother and friend, Steven Hester; his nephew, Brad Hester; and his son, Michael Pahls.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Karla Hester, who lovingly cared for him through his final years; his daughters, LeAnne Hester (Nick Simulia); Jenny (Marty) Jank, his sons Geoff Pahls, and Eric (Jesus Rivera) Pahls; and his cherished grandchildren: Cameron Jank, Lily Renfro, and Abigail Pahls.
Curtis was a man of strength, pride, and great love. His life was a testament to the endurance of the human spirit and the profound impact of quiet acts of courage and care.
He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Crown Hill National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. A graveside service will be held at 3:00PM on 2025-04-25 at Crown Hill National Cemetery, 725 W 42nd St. Friends and family are welcome.
