John Henry Hester

John Henry Hester was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 4, 1945, to parents Mr. Herman Hester Sr. and Mrs. Pauline Alexander. He was the 4th child of eight siblings in the family. He graduated from Wendell Phillips High School where he learned various trades, which in part, resulted in him becoming an electrician. He also served a brief stint in the United States Air Force. Before moving to the west side of Chicago, he was a staple in the Bronzeville and Hyde Park areas.

Over the years, John served the community as an entrepreneur. He never had to work a 9 to 5 because he used his God-given entrepreneurial skills to create a life for himself and to provide for his family. He was known for being skilled at fixing tools, and machinery, repairing bicycles, repairing and installing appliances, performing carpentry, and resolving electrical issues. He would sometimes declare, “I am an Electrician!”. He worked for many companies on a contractual basis. For decades,

John served as a vendor at Maxwell Street and other City of Chicago vendor sites. He enjoyed life by traveling the world to destinations like Mexico and the Virgin Islands while vacationing in Europe. John was always willing and ready to help those who needed his expertise or if you just needed a listening ear. Family and friends know him as a beautiful, fun-loving, and brilliant person. He was also known for being dressed to impress wearing plenty of fine gold jewelry in his younger years.

He never missed the opportunity to play Sudoku and dominos with his family. John was spiritual and believed in God and the bible/biblical text. He truly loved his family and was proud of his wife and children.

On December 19, 2024, John gained his wings. He was met at the gates of Heaven by a host of family members, including his loving parents; Mr. Herman Hester Sr. and Mrs. Pauline Alexander, lovely sisters; Betty Howard and Paulene Hester, and brothers: Herman Jr. and Jerry Hester.

John leaves to cherish his memory: His lovely wife, Mrs. Dorothy S. Bell (“Hester”), brothers, Jessie and Paul; sister, Darlene; daughters, Diane Conley, and LaTisha Hester; sons, John Conley, Michael Conley, and Reginald J. Dean; along with a host of nephews, Steve Hester, Cordell Hester and Eddie Howard; nieces, Angelita Howard and Lidia Howard; and grandchildren, Michael Jr., Jala, Tania, Nate, Marcus and Michelle.

John’s outstanding life and legacy will forever be cherished by his family and friends. 

A special thanks to wife, Dorothy S. Bell (“Hester”), Diane Conley, Ernest E. Ellison, Angelita Howard, Aeisha and Angel for your hands-on care and expressions of love.