Jerry D Hester

Jerry was raised in Tyler, TX and attended John Tyler High School, where he graduated in 1962. He later attended West Texas State University, in Canyon, TX and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Consulting.

Jerry was an Air Force Veteran. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant, completed 5 years of service and a tour in the Vietnam War.

He was married to Ann Hester in 1963, and the couple had one daughter. They celebrated 63 wonderful years together on June 15th, 2026.

He last worked in Sales and Management at Peters Chevrolet, in Longview, TX, for over 17 years. Previously, He and Ann owned 4 County Tractor and Equipment, in Memphis and Childress, TX, for more than 12 years.

In his spare time Jerry enjoyed fishing, traveling all over the world, tractoring, supervising all projects in and around the property, teaching anyone anything, and telling stories about all of his incredible journeys.

His family and friends will always remember him as a funny and friendly guy, that he always shot from the hip, who never met a stranger, his repeated use of hilarious idioms and old-time sayings, dedicated husband and dad, hardworking and always loving Ann like none other!

He was preceded in death by Father J.D. Hester, Mother Ruth Coyle, Sisters Annelle Hester and Vivian Womble, Brothers Charles and Sonny Hester and many friends.

Survived by Wife of 63 years Ann Owens Hester, Daughter Nikki Hester Davis, Son-In-Law Wayne Davis and Grand daughter Polly Davis, Nieces and Nephews

Notes and Accomplishments:

Jerry was the youngest of five children and his nickname was Junior. He was a hard worker from an early age. He worked at the skating rink and was a butcher at Brookshires. He also liked to work on cars and could make anything look great and run well!

Later in high school, he was at a friend’s house, and his buddy was on the phone with Ann Owens. The buddy had to put the phone down, so Jerry picked it up and asked Ann on a date. His friend never had a chance! That was the beginning of each other's forever love. They were married a year after graduating from John Tyler HS. Two skinny minnies that were fun loving & dedicated to each other.

A short while later, the Draft was looming and Jerry decided to enlist so he could serve in the branch of his choice... the Air Force. He began as a Jet Mechanic, rising to Staff Sergeant Jet Inspector and his taught, also. He served our country in the Vietnam War and thankfully returned home to Ann. He attended West Texas State University in Canyon, TX on the GI Bill and graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Consulting.

The next chapter was parenting and owning a business. Nikki was born in September, 1976, and soon after, they bought 4 County Tractor & Equipment in Memphis, TX and added a new shop in Childress, TX. They lived in the Texas Panhandle for another 12+ years. Nikki has always been a Daddy’s Girl! Jerry taught her to be tough, and Ann tried to make her a lady. Jerry served his tiny community through the Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Memphis, TX.

Later, him, best friend Wayne Sweatt and brother-in-law, Larry Womble formed a consulting firm called, Ag Resources. John Deere farming equipment, irrigation and cattle they had it covered! They

spent the next 6-7 years working with the Nigerian Government importing equipment, teaching the Nigerian people and overseeing the new farming operations in West Africa.

One day, the General of Nigeria and his entourage, flew to Texas and came to Nikki’s school for a presentation. What a sight for such a small town!

In the late 1980’s, when cotton was taking a turn, Jerry and Ann decided to sell and move back to East Texas. They reinvented themselves and got into the car business and insurance. Jerry began a 17+ year career at Bass Chevrolet (now Peters Chevrolet). Soon, Ann joined him at Bass, and they were together again! They were long time volunteers at the Longview Too Ambucs, hosted countless parties for many organizations, friends and family

and were known for the beautifully landscaped property they owned.

Jerry retired from Peters and began looking into farming, again. They bought a 100+ farm in Tatum, TX and he turned it back into a well-working farm, with the help of the late, Terry and Chris McAlester.

After selling the farm, they moved to Gilmer, TX, to be close to their daughter, son-in-law and their only grandbaby. Here he was supervising fencing, tree/hay cutting, and all things property and family! Best parts runner, advice giver, scrap metal and random Facebook find driver. We all enjoyed it as much as he did! He watched Polly grow up to be a beautiful, smart and tough 16-year-old kid. He helped out when Wayne was on the road working in the

gasfield and always wanted to know when and where he was needed.

Eventually, long term illnesses made life harder. Jerry and Ann were both admitted to the hospital within two weeks of each other, then a rehabilitation facility, assisted living and Gilmer Nursing and Rehab. They were only apart for short while and everyone that had

gotten to know them along the way was in awe of their love and desire to stay together, Until the end. Let them remain in our hearts as just that soul mates, best Dad and Pop Pops, ever!

Jerry having volunteered with Ambucs for 20 to 25 years, the family asks that in lieu of flowers to donate to the Ambucs Longview Too organization. Website: www.ambucs2longviewtx.com. Address: 714 N. High Street Longview, TX. Phone number: 903-753-3329. Email Contact is: [email protected]

Visitation will be held at Lakeview Funeral Home, 5000 West Harrison Road, Longview, TX 75604, US, on July 9, 2026, at 6:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Lakeview Funeral Home, 5000 West Harrison Road, Longview, TX 75604, US, on July 10, 2026, at 11:00 am.

A Graveside service will be held at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, 5000 W Harrison Rd, Longview, TX 75604, US, on July 10, 2026, at 1:00 pm.