Joe Mack Hester - Blytheville

Thursday, April 12, 2001

Joe Mack Hester, 72, of Blytheville, died Saturday, March 31, 2001. A lifetime Blytheville resident, he was a member of the First Baptist Church and the church's Fellowship Sunday School Class.

He served for 12 years on the Blytheville City Council and operated the Fairview Golf Course for many years. As president of the Blytheville Kiwanis Club, he was presented with the International President's Award in recognition of distinguished leadership and service. He was a member of the Mississippi County Fair Board and was on the county steering committee of the Democratic Party.

He taught a men's Bible class at Calvary Baptist Church for 25 years, was a master sergeant in the National Guard and operated a motel and restaurant for 20 years. A 32nd degree Mason, Hester was also a Shriner and past patron of the Manila Order of the Eastern Star. An Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster for many years, Hester was also a member of OK Hunting and Fishing Club.

Survivors include his wife, Lovie Mae Giles Hester of the home; a son, Dr. Joe Dodd Hester of Magnolia; a daughter, Lovie Denise Johnson of Blytheville, and four grandchildren.

The funeral was held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church Chapel in Blytheville with the Rev. Bill Fuller and Steve Bowland officiating. Interment was in Dogwood Mausoleum, under the direction of Cobb Funeral Home of Blytheville.