Eugene "Gene" Afton Hester

Eugene “Gene” Afton Hester was born January 4, 1928 in Macomb, OK to the late Robert Guy and Ona Arzella (Hayes) Hester. He died Saturday January 16, 2021 in Sulphur, at the age of 93 years and 12 days. Gene and Opal Marie Smith were married in May 1951 in California. She preceded him in death on May 14, 1993.

Gene grew up in the Maud area. On February 21, 1945 he joined the United States Army, serving in both WWII and the Korean War. While in the Army he obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant, serving as a paratrooper and medic. Following an Honorable Discharge from the Army in December 1953, Gene began a career as a diesel mechanic, employed with Parker Overseas Oil Division. After 25 years with Parker, he retired as a head mechanic in 1993. Gene was a very talented wood carver, making many keepsakes for family and friends to cherish.

Gene was a faithful member of the Pathway First United Methodist Church of Davis; as well as member of the Masonic Tyre Lodge of Davis.

Survivors include one daughter, Sherleen Higginbottom; two sons, Robert Hester & wife Sylvia and Jimmy Hester & wife Lyn; four sisters, Jimmie Nell Wood, Artie Crawford & husband Leroy, Rita Cowan & husband Roy and Kay Boren.

Also surviving Gene is his beloved companion of 26 years, Jean Castoe of Davis and her family; daughter Debbie Cowan & husband Joe, son Tim Castoe & wife Theresa and daughter Donna Grissom & husband Jerry; as well as a host of shared grandchildren including, Matt Johnson & wife Heather, Josh Hester, Erik Hester & wife Leanna, Bobby Higginbotham and Traci Danker & husband Jeff, Michael Cowan & wife Kristi, Matthew Cowan & wife Shasta, Mallory Goodman & husband Cole, Sarah Gregg & husband Josh and Emily Grissom; and great-grandchildren, Tatum, Fiona, Amelia, Charlotte, Wyatt, Baylor, Kaitlyn, Cadance, Valor, Jacob, Jaylee, Gracie, Carter, Kenlaigh, Graham, Camp, Macy, Carolina, Cole, Cooper, Cate, Noah, Hunter and Taylor.

In addition to his parents and wife, Gene was preceded in death by one brother, Connie Hester and one granddaughter, Rachel Blackmon.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.