On May 3, 2024, NAIFA Member, Herschel Hester, III, CLTC, LUTCF, CRPC, passed away at the age of 82. Hester was born on May 11, 1941, in Parsons, Kansas. He graduated from Webster State College in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science and from Utah State University in 1967 with a Master of Science.

Hester was active in NAIFA-Utah, joining in 1986, and was a past NAIFA Quality Award recipient. Throughout his career, Hester worked at Thiokol Corp., Weber State College, the Utah League of Cities and Towns, and Prudential Insurance Company. At the time of his death, he had an independent financial and insurance business specializing in Medicare, health, life, and long-term care insurance.

In 1978, Hester enlisted based on his civilian skills in education as an Aviation Storekeeper First Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves. After 22 years of devoted service, he retired as Master Chief Petty Officer in 2001. Some of his noted volunteer services include service on the USS Enterprise and a special active-duty period when he was ordered to the U.S. Naval Academy with the assignment to reorganize the Academy Library.

Hester was ordained as a Deacon of the Diocese of Salt Lake City in 2004. He served as a Deacon at St. James the Just Catholic Church for 15 years. Scouting was a major part of Hester’s life. He generously shared his time and expertise for 62 years, including being an adult leader across multiple Scout units and lending his guidance as a respected member of the Trapper Trails Council board.

Hester is survived by his wife, Jonnalyne, and daughter Shelleice (Monte) Stokes, stepson Dennis Lee and Janet Forsgren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Gale Hester and half-sister Sandy Glascow. He was blessed with 7 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Hester was predeceased by his father, Herschel G. Hester, Jr., and mother, Virginia Margaret Hudspeth, brother, Rev. David C. Hester, and daughter, Kristin Lynn Hawkins.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Hester will be buried in the Blessed Mary Garden at Leavitt's Mortuary Aultorest Memorial Park 836 36th Street, Ogden, Utah. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Herschel's family asks for prayers.