Robert Hester

Robert Curtis Hester, 77, of Elizabethtown, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents: Craven and Geraldine Hester. Robert is survived by his wife: Mary Juanita Hester of the home; his three daughters: Connie Blosser of Fayetteville, Sandra Boahn of Linden, NC, Libby Hester of Hope Mills; three sisters: Phyllis Guyton, Jeanne Kirby, and Tissie Mainess, all of Dublin; three grandchildren: Christina Smith, Brooke Hellier, Amber Hester and four great-grandchildren.

Robert entered the United States Air Force on May 27, 1957 after graduating from Tar Heel High School. Basic training was in San Antonio, TX. First assignment was at Andrews AFB. Traveled in Europe and went to Southeast Asia and served in Vietnam, TDY twice and permanent tour once. Served stateside the remaining years in service. Earned Meritorious Service Medal Award, several Air Force Commendation Medals, Presidential Unit Citation, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and several other awards. In 1961, made "Airman of the Year" at Lowery AFB, Denver, Colorado and while stationed at Bolling AFB, entered NCO Academy and was one of the top three in the class. Retired at Bolling AFB as NCO in June 1977. Then in July 2011, was selected by the Bladen County Board of Commissioners to represent the County with a bronze hand image which is placed on the "Oath of Service" Wall at the NC Veterans Park in Fayetteville, NC for the work he has done in the community to recognize and improve the lives of veterans.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 11, 2017 from 10:00-10:45am at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown with a funeral service at 11:00am. Rev. Warren Hill, Rev. Ethan Willis, and Rev. Cameron McGill will be officiating services. Burial will follow services in Windsor United Methodist Church Cemetery in Elizabethtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VFW Post 8062 PO Box 1223 Elizabethtown, NC 28337 and/or Lower Cape Fear Hospice 206 Warrior Trail Whiteville, NC 28472.