John Rendell Hester, 82, of Springfield, formerly of Dixon, was born on August 4, 1940, at Dixon, a son of Dr. John Riley and Florence Elma (Poor) Hester and departed this life at 9:30 a.m., Monday, May 22, 2023, at National Health Care, Joplin.

Mr. Hester was united in marriage in Springfield on August 13, 1966, to Tiajuana Kay (T. Kay) Throckmorton and to this union, three children were born.

Mr. Hester was a 1958 graduate of Dixon High School and a veteran of the United States Air Force. Growing up he was a member of the Church of God. He had worked for Zenith as a relief operator retiring after 26 plus years and later worked as an auto mechanic for 15 years with Ford. He enjoyed fixing and building things, was an avid gun collector, and enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Hester include: his children, Joshua Hester, Springfield; Tara Farrell and her husband, Duston, Nixa and Kari Lewis and her husband, David, Joplin; two grandchildren, Jocelyn Farrell and Garrett Farrell; his former wife and mother of his children, T. Kay Hester; his canine buddies; and many other relatives and friends.

Mr. Hester was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John and Florence Hester and his siblings, Russell, Riley and Roma.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until service time at 12 noon, all on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, at 205 West Third Street, Dixon, Missouri 65459.

Interment with full military honors will be in the Dixon Cemetery under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Dixon.

Memorials are suggested to the Springfield Humane Society or to the humane society of the Donor's choice.