Dan W. Hester

Dan Warren Hester, 91, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Monday, January 5, 2015, surrounded by members of the immediate family. He was born in October, 1923, to the late Myrtle Cornell and Nat William Hester in Fries, VA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Frances, and brother, Carl.

Dan’s cherished wife of 60 years, Aleen, passed away in 2006. Now, with the grace of God, they have been reunited.

Dan volunteered for service in the United States Navy during WW2. During this time, he served aboard a minesweeper, which is a small wooden vessel used to clear any underwater mines from the paths of the larger Navy ships. He rode this small, cramped boat all the way across both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. His ship participated in the Normandy D-Day invasion, clearing a path to the Omaha beachhead for the rest of the fleet to follow. The old saying “Wooden Ships, Iron Men” truly applied to the brave sailors who served their country aboard a minesweeper.

After the war, Dan attended college on the “G. I. Bill”, graduating from both East Tennessee State University and Peabody College. He then taught school and coached for several years, prior to beginning service within the YMCA organization. In 1963, He came to Lancaster, Ohio, where he became the director of the local YMCA. Dan served the community in this position for the next 40 years.

Dan was an avid fisherman and golfer and became a big “Buckeye” fan while living in Lancaster. He also very much enjoyed annual vacations with his extended family to the Carolina beaches. However, his biggest pleasure in life was being able to spend time with his grandchildren, giving them all fond memories which they will cherish forever.

Dan was a member of the First United Methodist Church and also provided service to the community as a member of the Lions Club.

Dan’s outstanding character was best displayed when his beloved wife, Aleen, was suffering from a protracted, debilitating illness. During this time, he provided loving and tender care to her right up until the day she passed away.

Survivors include two sons; Jim Hester and wife, Vickie, of Lancaster and Dan Hester and wife, Debra, of Lafayette, IN; one brother-in-law, Harry Shupe and wife, Lois, of Bland, VA; three grandchildren, Matthew Hester and wife, Mattea, Justin Hester and wife, Mackenzie, and Ben Hester; and 2 great- grandchildren, Andrew Warren Hester and Bennett Marco Hester; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service for Dan will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 10, 2015, at First United Methodist Church, 163 E. Wheeling St, Lancaster, Ohio 43130 with Reverend Robert McDowell officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Lancaster with the Lancaster Veterans Burial Detail performing military rites. Friends may visit from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, Lancaster and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.

Funeral Service

11:00 AM ,Saturday, January 10, 2015
First United Methodist Church
163 East Wheeling Street Lancaster, OH 43130
Notes: Visitation one hour prior to the service.

Visitation

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM ,Friday, January 9, 2015
Frank E. Smith Funeral Home
405 N. Columbus St Lancaster, OH 43130