Lawrence Kendall Hester

Lawrence Kendall "Larry" Hester
February 1, 1934 – July 7, 2025
Lexington, Kentucky
Lawrence Kendall Hester, affectionately known as Larry, passed away on July 7, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky. He was born on February 1, 1934, in Glendale, California, and spent his early years in Monrovia, California.
Larry proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, where he was stationed in Barstow, California, and served as a medic. He also shared his musical talents by singing in the Marine Corps choir.
During his 30s and 40s, Larry lived in Newport Beach, California. He worked for Petersen Publishing before pursuing his passion for motorcycles and starting his own trade magazine. This passion blossomed into a successful business, leading him to create motorcycle trade shows across the U.S. and Europe (including Milan and Cologne). At its peak, his company published 12 different trade magazines and hosted numerous trade shows. He sold the business in 1986.
In 1980, Larry married the love of his life, Marsha, at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach. They soon moved to Corona del Mar, and in 1981, relocated to Rancho Santa Fe.
Larry had a lifelong love for golf, which began in high school. He also became an excellent skier and encouraged Marsha to join him on the slopes-sending her to ski school in Vail with what he jokingly called "lunch money." Together, they skied primarily in Vail, where they owned a home, and later in Park City, Utah, where they eventually moved.
Larry and Marsha also enjoyed playing tennis together, a sport they continued to share throughout much of their marriage.
Larry was deeply committed to his community. He passionately supported organizations in Park City that served individuals with disabilities, and he and Marsha volunteered with the Children's Hospital in San Diego. He was also a proud member of the Rotary Club of Park City.
Larry loved the outdoors and spent cherished time with family houseboating on Lake Powell. They often traveled there a couple of times per year for water skiing and relaxation.
They also kept a ski boat at Jordanelle Lake near Park City for afternoon ski adventures.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Marsha; son, Steve (Lori); daughters, Hilary (Austin) and Lauren; grandchildren, MacKenzie, Blake (Maggie), and Braxton; great-granddaughter, Georgia; and sister, Suzanne Taylor (Don). Larry will be remembered for his warm heart, deep friendships, and boundless enthusiasm. He often said, "Just do it!"-a phrase that inspired his loved ones to live boldly and without hesitation.
A memorial service honoring the life of Lawrence will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, located at 463 East Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507. A full obituary will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Lexington Humane Society, University of Kentucky Healthcare, or The Secretariat Center, in honor of Lawrence's memory.
Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 463 East Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507, is honored to be in care of arrangements for Mr. Lawrence Kendall Hester.