Richard Douglas Hester's Obituary
Richard Douglas Hester, 81, passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 8:20 p.m. in his home in DuQuoin, IL. He was born on February, 8, 1937 in Pinckneyville, IL, the son of Roscoe "Slim" Hester and Bessie (McCrary) Hester. Richard was married to Cheryl Lynn (DeGuzman) Hester for the last 14 years.
Richard graduated from Pinckneyville High School in 1956 and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard later that same year. He owned and operated Hester's Café in DuQuoin with his former wife Donna (Hall) Hester. He later worked at Captain Mine for twenty-one years, retiring in 1994.
Richard was a pilot and loved to travel. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He took care of old people, and tended to several cemeteries where his family members are buried. He was a recently published writer, and historian. He raised show dogs, and fed stray cats.
Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Hester of DuQuoin, IL; two sons, Douglas Hester of Baton Rouge, LA and Richard A. Hester of DuQuoin, IL; three daughters, Patty Withstandley of Ft. Myers, FL, Stacy Secrist of Rogers, AR, and Mary Scott of DuQuoin, IL; twelve grandchildren, Casey Soto, Taylor and Ryan Withstandley, Genevieve and Logan Hester, Blake Hester, Blair Collum, Olivia Kerwath, Mollie Hester-Kelly, Howard Kelly, Piper Kelly and Katherine Delaney Kelly; seven great-grandchildren, Jayden Soto, Ella Shields, Eloise Hester-Kelly, Brady Yeager, Ophelia Harris, Willow Hester, and Gabriel and Ava Jean Hackworth; and 1st wife, Linda Rice Cawvey.
Those preceding him in death were his parents; three sisters, Virginia Edwards, Betty Morgenstern and Lavanne Hester; and 2nd wife, Donna.
Richard's wishes were to be cremated. A private, family memorial will be held to celebrate his life Friday, June 15, 2018.
Memorials in his name may be made to Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Pyatt Funeral Home, DuQuoin, IL is in charge of arrangements.
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