Luther B. Hester

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Central Union High School

Luther Hester Obituary

LUTHER B. HESTER

Oct. 2, 1920 - Sept. 22, 2007

Long time Imperial Valley businessman, Luther B. Hester passed away Saturday September 22, 2007. He was 86.
Born in Heber October 2, 1920 to Oscar and Sylvia Hester, he attended Jasper Elementary School. Graduating from Central Union High School in 1940 he was nicknamed "Tuffy". There he played football, baseball, ran track and held the pole-vaulting record until 1964. He graduated from Reedley Junior College where he majored in Physical Education and played football. Luther married his High School sweetheart, Helen Torrence in Yuma, AZ on July 24, 1942. He immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet at Randolph Field in Texas, where he earned his pilots license and his love for flying began. After graduating, he was stationed in Visalia, Ca. as a Flight Instructor until 1945. Following his Military Service, they returned to the Valley where Luther worked as a crop duster. In the early 1950's he began working with Helen's father in the family business where he continued as Owner and President of Torrence's Farm Implements until his retirement. He was a member of the American Navion Society, Imperial Valley Navion Club, El Centro Rotary and served on the Board of Directors for the Far West Equipment Dealers Association from 1980-1983.
Luther was known for his hard work and dedication in both his business and family life. His passion for flying took him and his family traveling to many places throughout the States and Mexico, especially Montana and Gonzaga. He loved to fish, tinker with his airplanes, work in his orchard, visits from his grandchildren and looked forward to family gatherings.
He was preceded in death by his son, Scott in 2005 and sister, Opal Wood in 2006.
He is survived by his wife Helen of 65 years; daughter Pam and Armand Savage; son, Kirk and Sherry Hester; brother, Oscar Hester and sisters, Kathryn Purcella and Bernice Duff; 10 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday September 29, 2007 at Hems Brothers Mortuary in El Centro. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made in his memory to Alzheimer's Research or the American Autism Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Imperial Valley Press Online from Sep. 27 to Sep. 28, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Luther Hester

3 Entries

Sid Hester

September 27, 2007

We've lost a good man, wonderful uncle, loyal friend, and patient teacher. Uncle Luther touched everyone with his easy style, humor, and warmth.

I remember as a child often mistaking him for my own father, because of their strong resemblance. He would never let on or correct me. Occasionally, I would get a warm hug, a light chuckle, and pat on the head, sending me on my way in the right direction of my father.

He was a respected business owner in our community and avid aviator. I recall feeling the tinge of jealousy at seeing the excitement in my older siblings eyes as they would share stories of their flights with Uncle Luther with my parents.

I know he left me and my brothers and sisters with wonderful memories that we will each hold onto for years.

Tamara DeVault

September 27, 2007

To Helen, Pam, Kirk and families, we are so sorry for your loss.

Tamara Walker DeVault, Don DeVault
Kieth Walker and Florence Bargen

Sherry hester

September 27, 2007

Luther, we will truely miss you, I remember so many things about you that maybe to others would seem trival, but to us was a wonderful memory.
When I think of you, I see you in your hat and kahiki jacket, you always had the same stance..
a better granfather, and Father in law I couldnt have ask for..
You taught us all things that we will carry with us thru our lives,
and in the words of my son Kreig, "I was just honored to be a part of life with you.
we will miss you very much

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