Gene Hester

Gene passed unexpectedly, but peacefully from this life the morning of July 31st.  Gene was born in Wichita, KS on May 11, 1947. Gene attended school in Knowles, Ok where he graduated in 1965.  He then joined the Army where he served in the Vietnam War from 1966 -1968.  He was honorably discharged in 1972.  He married Linda Hamilton at the Gate United Methodist church on March 17, 1972.  They shared a life together in Gate for the next 53 years.  They welcomed their first of two children Pam, in 1974, their son Roy would be born four years later.  He served on the Gate Volunteer Fire Department, retiring in 2007.  Gene had a passion for horses, rodeo, and ranching which he loved to share with his children.  He enjoyed spending time with his friends, roping, and watching a western when time permitted.     

Gene is survived by his wife: Linda Hester; daughter, Pam Cudd and Kody Barnes of Woodward, Ok; Son, Roy and Wife Tracey, of Enid, Ok; Sister, Karen Seibel, of Phoenix, Az; grandchildren, Lydia and Lincoln Hester.  He was preceded in death by his Mother, Rose Sutherland; Father, Ralph Hester; brother, Victor; sisters Donna, Helen, and Vinita.