Jack Hester

Jack Hester

1940-2023

Jack Hester, 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023 in Lacey, Wash. He was born at home on Nov. 16, 1940 in Guntown, Miss. He spent his childhood in both Miss. as well as Walla Walla Wash. In his youth, he played little league and was on one of the little league national championship teams. Jack was a well-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher and coach. He attended Eastern Washington University receiving both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and was proud to be the captain of his college wrestling team. He taught PE, Drivers Ed, Social Studies, Life Time Sports and surprisingly Drama. Jack spent most of his teaching career in Odessa, Wash. but had also taught in Oregon and California prior to moving to Odessa. He always said he loved teaching first graders the most because they were so eager to learn. He coached wrestling, tennis and softball. He was a great role model and mentor for many youth both as a teacher and coach. He had a love of all sports but especially tennis and pickleball in his later years. After retirement, Jack and his wife Sharon traveled and split their time between Arizona and Eastern Washington. Jack continued to coach tennis and pickleball in Arizona at The Resort and enjoyed riding his bike and playing poker with friends. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Evelyn Sharon Hester; his two daughters, Bobbie Hester and Veronica Gemmell; 4 grandkids Kayla Rider and her husband Cody, Colton Tucker and his wife Jessica, Scott Gemmell and Kori Wilson and her husband Kaden and 4 great grandkids, Evan, Ashton, Coutler and Baby Tucker. Jack will be remembered with love and respect by friends, family, community, colleagues, students and athletes. A memorial will be scheduled at a later date.