Tommy Hester

Tommy Hester, 77, of Pampa, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023 in Pampa.

Memorial services will be 2:00 PM, Friday June 30, 2023 in Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Brother Paul Nachtigall, retired Baptist minister, officiating.  Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website. 

Tommy was born February 2, 1946 in Bennington, Oklahoma. At the early age of 2, he was the youngest American to cross the Artic Circle in 1948, with his mother. Tommy lived in Alaska and in England growing up, as his father’s military career moved him around. While living in England, he was able to meet the Queen and was Knighted by the Queen. After high school, Tommy enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served his country faithfully, serving in Vietnam and Korea as a sharpshooter. After he was honorably discharged, he attended college to obtain a nursing degree in 1975. Tommy worked several years in ICU in Sherman. On September 22, 1975, he married Julie Hardy in Oklahoma. They lived in Freeport and Conroe before moving to Pampa in 1997. He was a boxing and karate instructor and had many students who went on and won numerous trophies. Tommy was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1657, where he enjoyed going to meetings and making lifelong friendships. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and watching old westerns on TV. 

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert Thomas; and a brother, John Pierson.

Survivors include his wife, Julie; five children, Jerry Hester and wife Nancy, Dana Hester Alvarez and husband Gabe, Michael Hester and wife Kim, Jerry Ham, and Thomas Ham; five siblings, Judy Byers and husband Bubba, Robert Pierson and wife Debra, Wally Pierson, Darlene Wendt and husband Hubey, and Chris Pierson; 13 grandchildren, Heather Gomez, Cameron Gomez, Hailey Gomez, Justin Hester, Dusty Hester, Christopher Hester, Austin Stewart, Andrew Ham, Kaylee Ham, Ceirra Ham, Avery Johnson, Julie Sanchez, and Thomas Ham, Jr.; and numerous great grandchildren.