Veteran John "Jack" Edward Hester, 95, died May 18, 2006 at his home in Larned.

He was born January 1, 1911 in Hosington, Kansas the son of Edward and Lunda Lane Coburn Hester. A longtime Larned resident he was with the Federal Land Bank of Wichita for 37 years, making and servicing farm and ranch loans. He retired from the Federal Land Bank in 1976 as President of the Larned area office. After retiring he was a land appraiser for 25 years.

He graduated from Hoisington High School then attended Kansas State University. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. A World War II Veteran in the European Theater for 26 months serving in the signal Corps in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. He was involved in eight battle campaigns and was awarded the Bronze Star. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church, Larned where he service as deacon for many years, a 50 year member of the Larned Kiwanis Club serving as President in 1976, a lifetime member of the Larned VFW, and an active member of the Gideons.

On October 27, 1945 he married Christine C. Crouch at Charlotte, North Carolina.  She died August 30, 1997.   Survivors include: a daughter, Judy Eshelman and her husband, Jon, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Grandsons Ryan Eshelman and his wife Libby, Norman, Oklahoma, Jay Eshelman and his wife Kim, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Brandon Eshelman, Salt Lake City, Utah; and four great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by: a son, Rev. John Hester and his wife Christi, Larned; Grandchildren Sharla Hester Testorff and husband Dave, Ottawa, Kansas, Heidi Hester, Liberty, Missouri, and Jeff Hester, Greely, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his wife; and two sisters, Doris Jean Smith, Marian Hester Petracek.

Funeral was held at the First Baptist Church, Larned with Rev. Jerry Leever presiding.  Burial with Military Honors was provided by Ft. Riley at the Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, Kansas.

Memorials may be sent to the Larned First Baptist Church or The Gideons in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Inc., P.O. box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.  Condolences may be sent and this notice viewed at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

In Memoriam

Bobby Whitten  - Junction City Kiwanis Club

Past Lt. Governor,

Past District Chairperson,

Past Club President

Our sympathies go out to the Whitten family and the Junction City Kiwanis Club.  He will be missed.