Clarence Nelson Hester

Clarence Nelson Hester, 77, passed away Oct. 24 at Wickersham Assisted Living Home. He was surrounded by his son William Hester, daughter-in-law Mechelle Hester, daughter Jackie Stilwell, and granddaughter Aleana Beaty. Hester had moved to the Wickersham home last November and enjoyed the staff and residents. They were all very close and cared for each other like good friends and family.

A family gathering was held Oct. 28 at his granddaughter Aleana’s home, where family reminisced and enjoyed each others’ company. No services are being held. Family will scatter his ashes at Lake Louise, his favorite fishing and hunting place, this summer.

Hester was born in Washington state. He first came to Alaska in the 1950s and moved back and forth between the two over the years, but he considered Alaska his home.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter who enoyed all the outdoors had to offer. Some of his hobbies were fishing, hunting, woodworking, photography, model airplanes, tennis, baseball, football, and John Wayne and war movies.

Hester served in the military from 1954 to 1956. First he was in the Navy, then the Army where he served in Korea. He worked a range of jobs over the years: a dairy farm in Washington, the FAA in Nome, Boeing in Washington, Burlington Northern Railroad in Washington, Superior Millwork in Anchorage and Wasilla, Chugiak Senior Center, Wasilla Senior Center, and finally in the tool department in the Sears store in Wasilla.

He always enjoyed a good chat, was easy-going, and had a cute smile. He is survived by his six children: William James Hester I, Patricia Elaine Beauchamp, Randolph John Hester, Michael Allen Hester, Shane Allen Hester, and Jackie Stilwell; 10 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Donations in Hester’s honor may be made to Mat-Su Hospice, 950 East Bogard Road, Suite 132 in Wasilla.