Herbert "Herb" Ogburn Hester
Herbert "Herb" Ogburn Hester, 92, died at peace, in his Chattanooga home, on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Herb was born on April 30, 1931. His birthplace was Spruce Pine, Al., where he lived with his family until he was about six years old. Spruce Pines was very rural and Herb’s family didn’t have running water or electricity, but, as he said, that didn’t matter because life was good with his mother, Martha Elizabeth, his father, William Hester and his older sisters, Eunice and Bernice. His life ambition began in Spruce Pine, where each day, at an allotted time, Herb would go outside and set his eyes on the sky, waiting for the mail plane flyover. “Man,” he remembered saying to himself, “that’s what I want to do.” When Herb was about seven his family moved to Florence, Alabama.
His life continued on, in one of those idyllic states where family was everything and he was surrounded with love. He was a good student, enjoyed doing odd jobs for neighbors and had a paper route for several years. He graduated from Coffee High School in 1949, and entered the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Beyond his major in chemistry, he took courses which taught him how to be an officer in the Air Force, and upon graduation in 1953 he entered the Air Force as a second Lieutenant. It was then that the focus of his childhood was finally realized and he learned to be a pilot in the United States Air Force.
Hearing Herb talk about his life, one could not help but see it as a dream come true. As an expert in his profession he was chosen to fly in highly classified missions around the globe. Flying a SA16, a land, sea, air, ice, amphibious rescue and recovery flying boat. He was in the midst of many a heroic mission, many of which remain highly classified. Later, piloting, a C-124 Globemaster, a heavy lift cargo aircraft, he served throughout the Vietnam War in ways, we cannot imagine, even fitting in a humanitarian mission, whenever he could.
Herb retired from the Air Force as a major, after living in several international locations including almost five years in England.
Herb’s life extended out to include other passions. He loved cars, his favorite being a classic Morgan which he raced in Europe, and a Jaguar X3 120, which he enjoyed back in the U.S.
Herb was also an avid photographer, beginning with his first 35 millimeter camera when he was in the service. He has a collection of photos from all over the world including many intriguing arial shots. Back in the states he developed a special expertise in wildlife and scenic photography.
After retirement, Herb spent several years with a company called Common Arc. There he traveled the country working with local trade unions, setting up regional sites to certify welders for work. His purpose was to offer welders the opportunity to qualify for jobs without having to travel long distances as they had in the past.
In 1994, he married Arlene Cochran Dunn, the love of his life. They spent many years together traveling, volunteering, and enjoying life in Chattanooga, Tennessee, until her death in 2014.
Men like Herbert Hester never receive the recognition, the accolades, the awards that come to those who wrapped themselves in their accomplishments. Instead he was one of those remarkable humans who are the glue that hold our world together, who assure our freedoms, and who keep harm at bay. He was a true patriot, a man who loved America by giving of himself to make our country better. Always kind, always generous, without prejudice or greed or hate, he left a trail of goodness that circles our earth.
Imagine, that little boy hurrying out to see the mail plane fly over. And see him, satisfied with his life, grateful that his every dream really did come true.
Herb is survived by a stepdaughter, Pam Dunn Kidd (David), a step daughter-in-law, Carol Brock Dunn (David, deceased) and step-grandchildren, Kristi Dunn Long, (Brice), Brock Kidd (Corinne), Michele Dunn Roach (Aaron) and Keri Kidd Cannon, and seven step-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Brandi Sturdivant, caregiver, John Williams and other neighbors, and Hospice nurses for their loving care of Herb.
Family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, June 16, in the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Herb’s service will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023 with Dr. David Kidd officiating. Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers include Brock Kidd, Harrison Kidd, Aaron Roach, Austin Roach, Charles Cannon, Brice Long.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.