Gerald Bradley “Butch” Hester was born January 9, 1945, in Susanville, California the son of L.D. and Arvie Irene (Barnes) Hester. He passed from this life on Wednesday November 21, 2018 at his Sapulpa residence at the age of 73 years, 10 months, 12 days.
Butch served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He married Patricia Anne Stephens on August 3, 2001 in Van Buren, Arkansas. He was a retired line electrician and was a member of Allen Free Will Baptist Church. He was a member of the Gideons, was a volunteer for the DAV and enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and deer hunting.
His survivors include his wife, Patricia, of Sapulpa; daughter, Rhonda Carmean and husband, Todd of Owasso; son, Rodney Hester of Sapulpa; step-sons, Kenneth Gruse of Glenpool and Robert Gruse and wife, Camilita of Grove; brothers, Rex Hester and wife, Ruby of Catoosa, and Vernon Hester and wife, Shirley of Broken Arrow; sister, Wonda Hopkins and husband, Ray of Catoosa; 12 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Dowell Hester, Louie Hester, and Harold Hester; and step-son, Kevin Gruse.
A celebration of Butch’s life will be held 1pm, Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Allen Free Will Baptist Church in Sapulpa with Rev. John Bilby officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Heath-Griffith Funeral Home and an on-line guest book is available by visiting www.heathgriffithfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to may donate in memory of Butch to St. Jude Hospital or to The Wounded Warrior Project.