Charles Martin Hester, Sr.

Charles “Chuck” Martin Hester, Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at his home in Marche, Arkansas. Chuck was born on September 27, 1961 in Little Rock to Charles Franklin Hester and Sharon Lynn Hart. He was the oldest of 2, born and raised of the Catholic faith. He attended Immaculate Heart of Mary, Catholic High School and his senior year, graduated from Oak Grove High School class of 1979. Immediately following graduation, he proudly enlisted into the United States Navy and was stationed in Long Beach, California before deploying into the Persian Gulf on the USS Jouett CG29 Guided Missile Cruiser I as the tumultuous events in Iran were unfolding. He was very proud to serve his country.

Chuck would marry the love of his life, Rena Meeks, on November 11, 1983 where they would begin their life together in Arkansas. He loved his family, his Nova, riding his Harley Davidson, and rock and roll music with his buddies. But some of his favorite memories were of taking his family to rock concerts. He especially loved BB King and ZZ Top.

Later in his life after retirement, he enjoyed taking trips with Rena to Illinois to visit with family and loved spending time at casinos. He was also a member of the ABATE Motorcycle Club. In his free time, he enjoyed sitting on the front porch telling stories while listening to music. He was a great Papa to all of his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memories is his wife of 40 years, Rena Hester of Marche; sister Tari Hanson (Lane) of Watson Chapel; son Jeremy Hester of North Little Rock; daughter Melissa Hester of Las Vegas, Nevada; son Charles M. Hester, Jr. (Elizabeth) of Marche; son Nathan Hester of Marche; daughter Mechelle-Ashley (Jason Shirley) of Maumelle; 23 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Graves Memorial Baptist Church in North Little Rock from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023 10:30 AM at the church with interment to follow at 1:00 PM at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery.

Services entrusted by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, Arkansas. Sign the guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.