Phillip L Hester

Phillip L. Hester, 83, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at his home. He was born September 19, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas, and spent his childhood in Tyler, Texas. Phillip was a proud graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler.

In 1961, Phillip enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he honorably served his country as an air traffic controller. While stationed in Japan, he also shared his love of swimming as a lifeguard and swim instructor. He received his Honorable Discharge on July 19, 1965.

Phillip pursued higher education with dedication, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from North Texas State University in 1969, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Keller University in St. Louis, Missouri. He began a distinguished 30-year career with Southwestern Bell Telephone, serving in several departments throughout the years. He retired in 2000 from AT&T after a fulfilling career in human resources.

He was an active member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and took great pride in his many years of service. Phillip enjoyed spending time playing tennis with family and friends, gardening, and caring for his home and yard. He loved his years living in Glen Carbon, yet he never forgot his roots in the great state of Texas.

Phillip will be remembered for his warm and beautiful personality, his infectious laugh, and his ever-present smile. He married the love of his life, Sylvia (Young) Hester, on November 14, 1984, in Dallas, Texas, and together they shared more than 40 years of cherished memories.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia Hester; three sons, John Michael Hester of Austin, Texas, Bradley James Hester of Las Colinas, Texas, and Russell C. “Chad” Rea of Seven Points, Texas; three grandchildren, Jack Hart Hester, Kate Renee Hester, and Chase Andrew Hester; two brothers and sisters-in-law, L.C. “Buddy” and Pam Hester of Arkansas, and Lindsey and Cynthia Hester of Weatherford, Texas; a sister and brother-in-law, Melanie and Paul Wright of Fort Worth, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Rita Hester of Groveton, Texas, and Rita Heatley of Azle, Texas; many nieces and nephews; and other extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, L.C. and Margie Sue (Baughman) Hester, and by his brother, Mark Hester.

The family will receive friends, Monday, January 12, 2026, 11:00 am until 12:30 pm followed by a graveside service at 1:00 pm at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home - Cemetery and Mausoleum, located at 12053 State Hwy 64, Tyler, TX 75704, US.

He will be laid to rest with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to the Telephone Pioneers of America.