Hester M. Geithman, Jr., of Newport News departed this earthly life for his soul’s eternal rest in God’s kingdom on August 20, 2025.
Hester was born on July 21, 1932, in Freeport, Illinois, the son of Hester and Berneice Geithman. After growing up on his parents’ farm and graduating from Stockton High School in June 1950, he joined the Air Force for a 24-year career that ended with his retirement as a technical sergeant at Langley AFB on September 1, 1974.
Hester was a veteran of the Korean War with subsequent overseas assignments in Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. His military awards included the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
After retirement, he worked at the Daily Press for two years and then for the College of William and Mary for 17 years until his second retirement on July 1, 1994.
Hester received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Maryland in May 1972 and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in May 1998. Hester asserted, “I am never tired of being retired when I am spiritually inspired.”
Hester travelled extensively during his lifetime and his love for photography is evident in his collection of 2700 color slides. He was an avid bowler and fisherman. His family enjoyed his many stories, mostly about fishing, and his infamous corny jokes.
Hester is survived by his sons, James Geithman (Ellen) and Michael Geithman (Sherri), and his daughter Lucy Pitts (Randy Jones), as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by Teresa, his wife of 64 years, on September 9, 2023, as well as his parents and his sister, Jo Ann Babel.
Hester was a long-time member of Saint Jerome’s Catholic Church in Newport News, and his Mass of Christian Burial will take place there at 11 am on September 12, 2025, followed by a reception at the church. Burial with full military honors will occur at 2 pm at the Albert G. Horton Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, where Hester will be laid to rest next to his beloved Teresa.
