Gerald Eugene Hester

November 27, 1935 - December 11, 2016

Gerald Eugene Hester, 81, of Winchester passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at the Scott County Nursing Center in Winchester. He was born, Nov. 27, 1935, in rural Scott County, the son of Albert and Pauline Blair Hester. He married Wanda M. Ransom, Dec. 31, 1955, in Alsey. Surviving is his wife, Wanda; six daughters, Eva Jo Hester of Robinson, Patti (Daryl) Quigg of Jacksonville, Barbara (Craig) Lashmett of Winchester, Joyce (Brian) Surratt of Chapin, Connie (Barrie) Holzer of Winchester, and Janice (Angelo Rosa) Hester of Mattoon; nine grandchildren, Traci (Grant) Thomas, Tim (Celeste) Lashmett, Jenny Quigg, Phillip Lashmett, Corey Holzer, Jacob Surratt, Wes Lashmett, Jessica Holzer, and Jenna Surratt; three great grandchildren, Gabrielle Thomas, Genevieve Thomas, and Anthony Jack “AJ” Lashmett; and one sister, Janet Baughman Savage of Jacksonville. He was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Glenn, and William Hester; and two sisters, Agnes Harriet Coats and Flora Beth Andrews. Gerald began his working career helping area farmers and at the Alsey Brickyard. In 1953, he became a member of Laborers International Union Local 253, joining the Springfield Local 477 in 1955. The first major job he worked on was the construction of the Meredosia bridge in 1955. He was involved in the construction of the Winchester Grade School and route 97 through Springfield. Through the Union, Gerald helped lay asphalt for Sankee Brothers Construction. One of his favorite memories was the day when the monitor system went out of the paver. The operator wanted to shut down the job until the system was working properly, but “Jake or “Red” as he was called, said, “No, we will run it the way I learned. Get out the string line.” He was already respected by most of his peers, but after that, he earned the respect of all younger laborers who thought “they knew it all”. The last 30 years of his employment was with Sankey Brothers Construction, Inc. He was a 50 year plus member of the Royal Neighbors. He enjoyed riding snowmobiles and 4 wheelers, accompanied by his beagle dog. Despite having polio as a child, Gerald was an expert slalom water skier. He loved taking his family, especially his grandchildren, camping, boating, water skiing, minibike and 4-wheeler riding. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2106, at the Daws Family Funeral Home in Winchester with interment in the Glasgow Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Scott County Nursing Center or the Scott County Dog Rescue.