Howard Lee Hester, age 71, of Leitchfield, KY, passed away Monday, (June 2, 2014) at his residence in Leitchfield, KY.

He was born on September 3, 1942 in Leitchfield, KY, the son of the late Thomas and Pansy Marie Carter Hester.

He was retired after 30 years from Johnson Control, and enjoyed farming and raising cattle. He attended New Freedom Church.

He is survived by his wife, Rosie Oller Hester, of Leitchfield; one son, Jeff Hester and wife, Jodie of Leitchfield; three step-sons, Scottie Harp and wife, Sasha, of Clarkson, Brian Harp and wife, Tina, of Swansea, IL, and Michael Harp of Leitchfield; seven grandchildren, Deavin Thomas, Brylee MaRee, and Elli Grace Hester, Brittnie Harp, Kloe and Kortney Padgett, and Kyndal Harp; three brothers, Marvin Hester and wife, Magalene, and James (Jim) Hester, and wife, Sandy all of Leitchfield, and Charles Hester and wife, Kathy, of Shepherdsville; four sisters, Carolyn (Sue) Stegal of Elizabethtown, Marilyn Hudson and husband, Dale, of Caneyville, Betty Meredith and husband, Billy, and Rebecca Hayse, all of Leitchfield.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Maggie Hester, a sister, Geneva Marie Hester, a brother, William Thomas Hester, and a nephew, Bruce Kerr.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, (June 6, 2014) at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield. Bro. Buddy Brooks will be officiating. Burial will be in the Hack-Oller Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. Friday until time of services.