Deacon Herschel Hester

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Deacon Herschel Hester

May 11, 1941 ~ May 3, 2024

Deacon Herschel G. Hester III, 82, of Fruit Heights City, passed away on May 3, 2024.

Herschel was born on May 11, 1941 to Herschel and Virginia Hester in Parsons, Kansas. He graduated from South High School, Denver, Colorado in 1959. After moving to Ogden, Utah in 1959, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Weber State College in 1965 and a Master of Science from Utah State University in 1967.

Herschel married Jonnalyne Walker on July 21, 1991 and together they embarked on a lifelong journey of love, commitment to God and each other.

Over the course of his career, he worked at Thiokol Corp., Weber State College, the Utah League of Cities and Towns and Prudential Insurance Co. At the time of his death, Herschel had an independent financial and insurance business.

Herschel’s military career spanned 22 years of devoted service, beginning in 1978 when he entered the U.S. Navy Reserve. In keeping with his drive and abilities, he was advanced to chief petty officer three and a half years later. Senior chief petty officer came at eight years of service, followed by master chief petty officer at 12 years of service. He served with a number of aviation squadrons to include jet aircraft, helicopters and C-130 cargo planes.

Following his retirement as a U.S. Naval Reservist in 2001, Herschel embarked on a new commitment by being ordained as a deacon for the Diocese of Salt Lake City by Bishop George H. Niederauer in 2004. Herschel was stationed at St. James the Just Catholic Church, Ogden, where he faithfully served as a deacon for 15 years, retiring in 2019.

Herschel was a stalwart of Scouting for 62 years and received numerous accolades, including the District Award of Merit, the James E. West Fellowship Award, the Silver Beaver distinction, the Whitney M. Young Junior Award and the William D. Boyce Unit Organizer Award. Herschel was active in professional, civic, charitable and educational organizations.

Herschel is survived by his wife Jonnalyne, and daughter Shelleice and Monte Stokes, stepson Dennis Lee and Janet Forsgren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Gale Hester and half-sister Sandy Glascow. Herschel was blessed with seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Herschel was predeceased by his father Herschel G. Hester, Jr. and mother Virginia Margaret Hudspeth, brother Rev. David C. Hester and daughter Kristin Lynn Hawkins.

A vigil will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, 6-8 p.m. at Leavitt’s Mortuary, 836 36th Street, Ogden. The rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at noon at Holy Family Catholic Church 1100 East 5550 South, Ogden. Burial will be in the Blessed Mary Garden at Leavitt’s Mortuary Aultorest Memorial Park 836 36th St., Ogden.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Herschel’s family asks for prayers.