Deacon Herschel G. Hester III, 82, of Fruit Heights City, passed away on May 3, 2024.

Herschel was born on May 11, 1941 to Herschel and Virginia Hester in Parsons Kansas. Herschel graduated from South High School, Denver, Colorado in 1959. After moving to Ogden, Utah in 1959, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Weber State College in 1965 and a Master of Science from Utah State University in 1967.

Herschel married Jonnalyne Walker on July 21, 1991 and together they embarked on a lifelong journey of love, commitment to God and each other.

Over the course of his career, he worked at Thiokol Corp., Weber State College, the Utah League of Cities and Towns and Prudential Insurance Co. At the time of his death, Herschel, CLTC, CRPC had an independent financial and insurance business specializing in medicare, health, life and long term care. Herschel was also a Certified Senior Advisor.

Herschel's military career spanned 22 years of devoted service. Beginning in 1978, he was enlisted based on his civilian skills and education as an Aviation Storekeeper First Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. In keeping with his drive and abilities he was advanced to Chief Petty Officer 3 ½ years later. Senior Chief Petty Officer followed at 8 years of service followed by Master Chief Petty Officer at 12 years of service. He served with a number of aviation squadrons to include jet aircraft, helicopters and C-130 cargo planes. He was Command Master Chief in several squadrons. Herschel was quick to volunteer for service on short active­ duty periods which included attendance at the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, service on the USS Enterprise and a special active-duty period when he was ordered to the U.S. Naval Academy with the assignment to reorganize the Academy library. His service was exemplary and garnered for him respect and admiration from those who served with him.

Following his retirement as a U.S. Naval Reservist in 2001, Herschel embarked on a new commitment by being ordained as Deacon for the Diocese of Salt Lake City by Bishop Niederauer in 2004. Herschel was stationed at St. James the Just Catholic Church, Ogden where he faithfully served as a Deacon for 15 years, retiring in 2019. Herschel's ministry included RCIA, baptisms, marriages, visiting with the sick and giving communion.

Herschel was a stalwart of Scouting for 62 years. His dedication was adorned with numerous accolades, including the District Award of Merit, the James E. West Fellowship Award, the Silver Beaver distinction, the Whitney M. Young Junior Award, and the William D. Boyce Unit Organizer Award. Herschel's commitment to Scouting was unwavering, spanning both his youth and adulthood. He generously shared his time and expertise as an adult leader across multiple Scout units, served diligently on district committees, and lent his guidance as a respected member of the Trapper Trails Council board. His outreach extended even to liaison work with the local Catholic diocese.

Herschel was active in professional, civic, charitable, and educational organizations.

Herschel is survived by his wife, Jonnalyne, and daughter Shelleice and Monte Stokes (UT), stepson Dennis Lee and Janet Forsgren (VA). He is also survived by his sister-in-law Gale Hester(KY) and half-sister Sandy Glascow. (AR). Herschel was blessed with 7 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Herschel was predeceased by his father, Herschel G. Hester, Jr. and mother, Virginia Margaret Hudspeth, brother, Rev. David C. Hester and daughter. Kristin Lynn Hawkins.

A vigil will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00pm at Leavitt's Mortuary 836 36th Street, Ogden, Utah. The Rosary begins at 7:30 pm that same evening.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church 1100 E 5550 S, Ogden, Utah. Herschel will be buried in the Blessed Mary Garden at Leavitt's Mortuary Aultorest Memorial Park 836 36th Street, Ogden, Utah. Burial will occur following the Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Herschel's family asks for prayers.

Arrangements under the direction of Leavitt 's Mortuary.