Ronald Ray Hester

Ronald Ray Hester
1952 – 2026
Ronald Ray Hester, age 73, of Hitchita, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 10, 2026.

Ron was a man of grit, service, and deep-seated loyalty. For many years, he was a pillar of the transport industry as the owner and operator of H&W Transport. Whether he was navigating a wide load down a highway or strapping on his holster and badge as a long-time Reserve Deputy with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department, he embodied the strength and reliability that defined his character. He was incredibly proud to serve his community and represent the badge.

In August of 1972, Ron married his childhood sweetheart, Kathy. He loved his wife more than anything in this world, and their 53-year marriage was the anchor of his life. Kathy’s face was the last thing he wanted to see, and she was faithfully by his side as he took his final rest.

Ron’s competitive spirit was legendary. He loved nothing more than getting together with friends and family for a game of hoops. Though he might not have had the height of a typical basketball player, he more than made up for it with skill and hustle on the court. He played with heart, though his family fondly remembers he wasn’t exactly a "great loser"—he played to win every single time. That same passion carried over to his beloved Oklahoma Sooners; Ron was known to rearrange the living room furniture mid-game if the Sooners were trailing, desperate to shift the "mojo" in favor of the Crimson and Cream.

Throughout his 73 years, Ron faced immense challenges with a quiet, stubborn strength. He battled through the grueling pain of trigeminal neuralgia and fought through two separate cancer diagnoses. He held on as long as he possibly could to be there for the people he loved, fueled by a determination to ensure his family was cared for.

A lifelong fan of a cold Pepsi, Ron had been unable to enjoy his favorite drink for a period of time due to his illness. While the hospital had restricted it, Kathy and Carrie would sneak him sips to brighten his days. He would keep saying, “Just one more sip,” and told them that if he could just have a sip of Pepsi, he would die a happy man. In a final moment of grace during his last two days, he was finally able to fully enjoy the taste of a cold Pepsi once again.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Wanda and her husband Bob Brown; his father, George Howard Hester; his brother, Gerald Hester; and his sister, Rita Collins.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; his children, Carrie Holder, and Tina Gomme and husband Gordon; and his brothers, Cliff Hester, and Jim Hester and wife Desi.

He was the proud Papa of Mikala Lovell and husband Josh, Harley Martinez and husband Mitch Randolph, Jayce Smith and fiancée Jereesa Montgomery, Randilyn Diaz and husband Christian, Lexi Gomme, Katelynn Bennett, and Levi Gomme. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Karter, Grace, Faith, BJ, Hope, Baker, and another Baby Lovell who is on the way.

Boomer Sooner.

Service Information
A Celebration of Life will be held on:
Saturday, February 21, 2026
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Thunderbird Chapel
11395 OK-9
Norman, OK 73026