David Lionel Hester

David Lionel Hester, 73, of Caledonia, MS, passed away unexpectedly Monday, May 15, 2023, at his home.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 20,2023 from 9:30 – 11AM at Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home & Crematory, Columbus, MS. A memorial service will be Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11 AM at Memorial Gunter Peel Chapel, Columbus, MS, Pastor Luke Lawson officiating.

David Hester was born on December 5, 1949, in Jackson, TN, to the late Helen Mary Hester. He graduated from S.D. Lee High School, Class of 1968. Following graduation, he attended 2 years at East Mississippi Junior College. After that he joined the Army National Guard and served for 6 years.

David loved his family and grandkids very much. He was always willing to help where ever he could. He was an avid gardener and an environmentalist working at the NRCS for over 20 years. He devoted many years to the Boy Scouts of America while being a Webelos leader and continuing to be a Scoutmaster. He guided and mentored many young men on their eagle scout journey. He loved to travel and see new things and was passionate about tracing his family heritage. He was a man with a huge heart. You would be lucky to have crossed his path.

In addition to his late mother, Helen Mary Hester, David is preceded in death by his brother, Mike Hester and his sisters, Elizabeth Hester, Gail Gilmore and Nancy Crenshaw.

He is survived by his sister, Shirley Smith, Columbus MS, brothers, Hardy Hester (Patsy), Benton, AR, and Art Hester (Martha Ann), Cottondale, AL.
Mr. Hester is survived by his daughter, Mary Anne McCreary (Jason) of Pelzer, SC and by his son, David L. Hester II (Debbie) of Addis, LA. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, Victoria Elizabeth McCreary, Preston Elvis Dexter McCreary, Annabelle Brianne McCreary, Levi Clarke McCreary, Ryker Troy McCreary, Dylan Thomas Hester and Dean Tyler Hester and many nieces and nephews who loved him very much.

Honorary pallbearers Hardy Hester, Art Hester, Chuck Hester, Bryan Hester, Stephen Hester, Michael Crenshaw, Chad Burns.

Memorials or donations can be made in loving memory of David L. Hester to Shriner’s Hospital.
https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/