Obituary found in papers of Martha (HESTER) IHMELS 

HOWARD HESTER, Coronor Of  This County, Is Dead. Rites Thursday 
for One of the Best Liked Men in County; Was Ill for Some Time. 

Howard P. HESTER, coroner of Jefferson County, died at 4:30 o'clock this morning 
at the home of his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. HESTER, in Waltonville, after lingering 
illiness. Funeral services will be held at one o'clock Thursday afternoon at the Methodist 
church in Waltonville and burial will follow in Knob Prairie cemetary. 

Howard, one of the best liked young men in this county had been ill for some time. Two 
weeks ago he took a turn for the worse and was in critical condition up to the time of his death. 
He was named coroner to fill the vacancy of Dr. G. L. TAYLOR who died during his term of office. 
Last November he was elected to the responsible position. he also held a position at the FRY Funeral 
Home in Waltonville. However for the past year his health prevented him from being active and Deputy 
Coroner Ben ROEDER handled the affairs of his office. 

The body will lie in state at FRY Funeral Home in Waltonville where his many friends may call 
at any convenient time. Howard was 31 years old on August 15th. He was a fine young man and 
made friends everywhere he went. He was not only one of the best liked residents of Waltonville 
but in Mt. Vernon the young coroner held the highest respect of all who knew him. Of a friendly 
disposition, he was honest and sincere in all his work while serving as coroner. 

He is survived by his father and mother and two brothers and four sisters as follows: Olin HESTER 
and Mrs. Marian BANNER of Mt Vernon, Mrs. Hazel LEWS of Toledo, Ohio., Ralph HESTER 
of Aurora, Illinois, and Fay and Margaret at home. 

The last three coroners of Jefferson county have died while in office. Dave DODDS and Dr. G. L. TAYLOR died while
serving as coroner. 

submitted by: Kay 
Sept 1, 1997 

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