Robert Dean Hester

March 25th, 1928 to July 14th, 2025

Robert (Bob) D Hester Sr. passed away peacefully July 14th, 2025 in Yakima, WA. He was born in Yakima to Lewis E and Mabel (John) Hester-Denton on March 25th, 1928. Bob had three brothers; John, Dick and Eddie, and one sister Loretta. Bob being the youngest spent his childhood working on the family farm. He completed the eighth grade. uring the Yakima State Fair he met Eleanor Ellyson, they fell in love and married September 1950. They shared a love story that lasted over 72 years, until Eleanor passed away in 2022. They had three children; Bob Jr, Connie and Jim all raised in the West Valley Area for 67 years.

Bob joined the US Army serving with the 10'h Mountain Division and deployed to Germany with the Occupational Force till 1952. He then worked for Shell Chemical, Hanford mechanical, Orchard Master Sprayers with his brother John. His last job was as a heavy military equipment mechanic and retired as a supervisor from the Yakima Training Center.

Bob and Eleanor loved spending time with family and friends. Milking cows Dad would tell nieces and nephews chocolate milk was found in the mornings milk. Bob and Eleanor spent many years supporting kids at the West Valley Fair with the 4-H and FFA program. Then later with Central WA Ag Museum with his rebuilt 1928 Ford Model T and 1956 International Diesel tractor, which was seen at lighted parades during Christmas. Bob spent many years as a West Valley Volunteer Firefighter retiring as a Zone Chief.

After his retirement from the US Training Center, he and Eleanor hopped in their RV and toured America. Routes led through Jackpot, Nevada, then to Branson, Grand Canyon, Alaska and many National Parks. They traveled the roads and flew to Fiji, Hawaii, cruises to Mexico and Panama Canal, and many other destinations. They spent many summers at Goose Prairie with family and friends. They cheered on grandkids at their sporting events and dance/music recitals. Their home was always an open, warm welcoming place to visit with a story, cookies, a laugh and a baseball game on the television.

Carrying on the family tradition he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Hunting started with horse camps in the Little Naches with brothers and family. He then hunted with sons in Idaho and Wyoming. His prize 6 x 6 bull elk was at Mex Mountain, Idaho. River fishing along the Bumping River, salmon fishing with son Jim and Walleye fishing with son Bob.

Upon the passing of Eleanor, Bob moved into Avamere/Arbor House Memory Care. He was attended by Juana, Martha, Liz and the many others who called him "Grandpa". The family appreciates their attention and kindness to Dad. Even if he did try to escape to the ranch.

Bob is proceeded in death by his wife, Eleanor, parents Lewis and Mabel, brothers John, Dick and Eddie, sister Loretta, two nephews, John Jr and Jack. Bob is survived by his children Bob Jr (Glenda), Yakima, Connie, Union Gap, Jim (Lydia), Kennewick, WA. His grandchildren, Jenna (Jeremy), Miles (Tamara), Amy (Jason), Cassie (Matt), Tj (Taylor), and great grandkids Kaleb (Gussie), Jaxon. Justin, Sophia, Parker, Maverick, River and Great-Great Granddaughter Lakelynn. And a great many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Keith and Keith Funeral Home 902 W Yakima, on July 28th at 11:30 AM, With graveside service directly after at West Hills Cemetery and the VFW Funeral Team with military honors. Reception at VFW Post 379. Please consider donations to West Valley Fair or Central WA Ag Museum in Bob Hester's name.