Donald E. Hester, Sr.

Donald E. Hester, Sr., 93, of Durham, North Carolina passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.  He was born in Hillsborough, North Carolina on August 30, 1929, to the late Winfred “Buck” and Josephine Hester.

Mr. Hester proudly served his country in the Army National Guard.  Prior to joining the National Guard, he graduated from Durham High School the class of 1947.  Don was very proud of his high school and ultimately became a member of the Durham High Forever Committee.

Don was a sign painter for over 50 years. He started his career at a very young age working for his father, Buck Hester.  He then began a career and worked in multiple local bottling companies in their advertisement department.  In the late 1960’s he started Don Hester Sign Company. Through his signage, his work was recognized both locally and nationally.

Music was a huge part of Dons’ life. He enjoyed singing bass in the church choirs which included the Gospel Center, Grove Park Chapel, and Northgate Chapel in Durham. 

Don was a member in many different organizations including the Civitan Club, Citizen Safety Committee and Travelers Protection Association.  He also enjoyed his daily crossword puzzles something that helped keep his mind sharp. Don will be remembered as a man who enjoyed serving his country and community, but most of all a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. 

Don is preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Dollar Hester; parents, Buck & Josephine Hester; and brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Ethel Hester.

Mr. Hester is survived by his sons, Donald E. Hester, Jr. (Chandra), Eric L. Hester (Terre) and Craig B. Hester; brother, Gary Hester; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and other loving family members and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel, 211 S. Miami Blvd., Durham, NC 27703.  Rev. John Gordon will be officiating.  Interment will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

The family would like to thank Jennifer Devaney of the Duke Home Care and Hospice Team for her professionalism and for her ministry of kindness and care.  They would also like thank the Duke Cardiology Team of Dr. Todd Keefer, Dr. Michael Komata and Edana Christy.