John Morris Hester, Jr., 82, left this world to be with the Lord on June 28, 2023 in his Waynesboro home.

He was born on October 5, 1940 in Glen Burnie, Maryland to the late John M. Hester, Sr. and Virginia E. Hester. He was the eldest of their two children and the last surviving member of his family.

He attended Glen Burnie Senior High School and later served 6 years in the Navy, two of which were active duty. John had several jobs over the years before retiring from Allied Concrete in 2002. He proudly served the city of Waynesboro as a police officer for several years. In the late 1970's, he was an officer at Waynesboro Moose Lodge #1309. He was one of the founders of the Moose Lodge's bowling league, where he was President for many years. John was also a member of the Waynesboro Church of the Brethren and a board member for multiple terms. At church, John helped form the worship team, the Worship Warriors.

John loved his hometown sports teams and was a huge supporter of the Baltimore Orioles and the Ravens. John was also an avid camper and fisherman. He taught his children all about it and how to enjoy both. Many stories can be told about their adventures. One of his favorite places to camp was Sherando Lake, where he and his wife, Becky, were volunteers.  Anyone and everyone who came through there knew who he was. He absolutely loved talking to and meeting new people.

Every Christmas, John played Santa to his family. There was nothing that gave him more joy than giving gifts to family and friends. He had the biggest heart and would give you the shirt from his back if you needed it. He knew you would need it more than him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his only brother, Gary, sister in law, Judy and nephew, Alan. Also included are his first wife, Betty Pugh Hester; his beloved cats, Whiskers, Goldie and Lady; his dogs, Cougar and Bo.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 48 years, Becky and his faithful companion, Little Dude. He also leaves behind his children, John M. Hester III, and fiancé, Elaine Ward, of Waynesboro; Chrissy Mitts and husband, Jason, of Stuarts Draft; Diana Via and husband, Jason, of Staunton; Alicia Grello and husband, Mark, of Waynesboro; Adam Hester and wife/favorite daughter in law, Christy, of Stuarts Draft; Anthony Hester and family, of Waynesboro.

His many grandchildren Nick and Jackson Mitts; Dakota and Wyatt Shull, and girlfriend, Kaelynn Rudine; Faryn and Gabi Hester; Emanuelle (Markie, as John called him) and Olivia Lucente; Zack and Ezra Grello; Kailum and Jaidyn Thompson. Also included in these are another grandson due in October and a great grandchild due in December.

He is also survived by a special niece, Karen Hester, of Atlanta; special cousin Rick Broseker and wife Betty, of Glen Burnie; and Danny Broseker, also of Maryland; along with numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.

McDow Funeral Home, 1701 West Main St. Waynesboro, will be holding a family night on July 13, 2023 from 6 pm to 8 pm.

The Waynesboro Church of the Brethren, 364 Bridge Ave Waynesboro, will be hosting a Celebration of Life service on July 29, 2023 at 2 PM. Pastor E.B. Shoemaker will be officiating.  Come share your memories of John with the family if you can.