Richard Walker Hester

Richard Walker Hester, 90, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on January 2, 2023.  He was born September 23, 1932 in Paron, Arkansas to the late Jasper and Helen (Kirkpatrick) Hester.

Richard loved the Lord and served Him with his whole heart.  He served in many areas of the church including Sunday School teacher, board member, treasurer, trustee, and his favorite-congregational song leader.  Richard served in the Army Reserves for over eleven years.  He retired from Alcoa after forty-three years of service as a lab manager and lab facilitator.  Fishing was his passion.  He enjoyed preparing to go fishing, making lures to use fishing, and fishing tournaments with his best friend, Jerry Whitley.  Richard was a family man.  His wife and children were the most important part of Richard’s life.  He could care less about having material things for himself, as he wanted to be sure his wife and children had everything they needed and wanted.  Richard was a compassionate servant with a giving heart.  He was willing to help anyone with anything they needed.  Richard was the definition of selfless.  If he gave something, he never expected anything back in return.  Personal growth was very important to Richard.  He read the Bible everyday as well as books on health and nutrition.  He was dedicated to being the best version of himself.  Education was extremely important to Richard.  He stressed the importance of good education to his children, especially since he did not have the opportunity himself.  Richard served God, Family, Country, and Others before himself.  We are thankful in knowing he is with the Lord and has received his crown.

Preceding Richard in death are his daughter, Stephanie Benold; parents, Jasper and Helen Hester; brother, Stanley Hester; and sister, Audrey Rudkins.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Betty Hester of Benton, Arkansas; three children:  Kelly Hester of Benton, Arkansas, Jason Hester (Lisa) of Alexander, Arkansas, and Holly Beaver of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren:  Walker Hester and Kaylee Hester; brother, Melvin Hester (Alene) of Benton, Arkansas; like a brother and closest friend, Jerry Whitley of Benton, Arkansas; and a host of family members and friends who love Richard and will miss him always.

Special thanks to Saline Memorial Hospice and their wonderful nurse, Christy Buchanan, and nursing aide, Chrissie Drennan.

Casual, come and go visitation will be held from 5:00-7:30 PM, Wednesday, January 4, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Visitation will also be held from 10:00-11:00 AM, Thursday, January 5, followed by funeral service, officiated by Bro. Jim Whitley and Bro. Jason Gibson, at 11:00 AM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas.  Burial to follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.