Ray Hester

Chester Ray Hester, 83, of Millerton, Oklahoma passed away on March 29, 2025 at Medical City Hospital, McKinney Texas. Ray was born May 3, 1941 in Lukfata, Oklahoma, son of the late Bert M and Anna Mae Hester.

After graduating high school, Ray spent four years in the US Navy and then returned to McCurtain County where he was a pipefitter-welder by trade.  He retired from Brown and Root where he worked for many years.  Ray enjoyed cookouts, playing pool, cards and dominoes with his family and friends. 

Ray was in a gospel quartet with family and friends in Idabel at the radio station on Sunday afternoons as a younger man. He could often be found hunting in Colorado with his co-workers from the mill. He loved to go canoeing with friends. Ray was a true family man who loved spending time with his family. Spending time with Ray always meant having a good time.

Ray is survived by his wife Helen, his children Lisa (Dave) Schimming, Atlanta, GA, Cathy (Lee) Ring, Powderly, TX and Debby Harp, Chickasha, OK, stepchildren Angie Williston, Durant OK, Timothy McKinney, Idabel, OK and his former wife, Joy, mother of his children;  brothers, Chris (Ruthann), Terre Haute, IN, Tom (Carol), Grapevine, TX and sister, Thelma (Bill), Argyle, TX.   Ray had two special grandchildren, Hunter (Bear) Williston and Jonavon Carterby, many other beloved grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren as well as 2 great great grandchildren. 

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Anna; brother Kenneth and his sister Ruth. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at White Family Funeral Home, Idabel, Oklahoma. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 4, 2025 at The Church, 13891 US Hwy 70, Millerton, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Denison, Cemetery.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.whitefamilyfh.com.

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