John Robert Hester

December 4, 1928 – July 17, 2025

John Robert Hester, age 96, of Newton, NC, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Louis Hester and Kathryn Gunderson Hester; his siblings, Phillip G. Hester and Jessie Hester Saunders.

John was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala on December 4, 1928 and raised in Person County, North Carolina. He graduated from Appalachian State Teachers College in 1952. After completing his required military service, he moved to Rochester, NY where he worked for Eastman Kodak Company for 34 years, (retiring in 1987). During his career at Kodak, he worked on magnetic tape, photographic film and X-ray film. Upon retirement, he settled in Denver, North Carolina. He was active in the Lincoln County Literary Council where he taught adults to read and served on the board of directors. He also loved gardening and planted a rose garden at the Shanklin Memorial Library. In 2008, he moved to Abernethy Laurels in Newton, NC. He continued sharing his time and knowledge improving the landscaping of the memorial garden, helping other residents participate in the community garden and sharing the bountiful produce he grew. When he wasn’t gardening, John enjoyed the outdoors - fishing, hunting, hiking, golfing, sailing and playing bridge.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Jean (Carpenter) Hester, sisters, Jean Hester McMillian of Mebane, NC and Joyce Hester Laeser (Tom) of Naples, FL., daughters Cynthia Hester Buchanan (David) of Belmont, NC and Kathy Hester Ward (Ben) of Norfolk, VA, four grandchildren (BJ, Jeff, Taylor & Alyssa) and 1 great grandchild (Toby).

At John’s request, no memorial service will be held.

Willis Reynolds Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hester family. Condolences may be emailed through our website at www.willisreynoldsfh.com