Ray Hester

Ray Hester
1930 2014

Ray Hester, 84, of Melrose, NM, passed away on June 19, 2014 in Clovis, NM.

Ray was born in Clovis, NM to C.C. and Mae Hester on February 25, 1930. He went to high school at Fields, NM. He was very successful in track and field during his high school years. He married Lodie Williams on June 5, 1948 in Melrose, NM. He worked for the New Mexico Livestock Board as a Brand Inspector for over 30 years. In 1990 he was awarded Inspector of the year by the New Mexico Livestock Board. He was very involved in New Mexico Politics for several years. He served as mayor of Melrose, NM from 19942006. While serving as mayor he initiated the funding to pave all the streets in town, provide a new roof for city hall, secured funding for the Senior Citizens Center, and established a new water and septic system for the entire town of Melrose. Ray was also a Worshipful Master in the Masonic Lodge of Melrose and a member of the First Baptist Church of Melrose. He enjoyed playing the fiddle and watching his westerns and of course he loved his family. Bragging about his family was his favorite pastime.

Ray is preceded in death by his Parents, his sister, Anna Mae Green, and his brother Eugene Hester.

Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lodie, of Melrose. Three Sons, Mike and his wife Susie of Granbury, TX, Butch and his wife Ruby of Clovis, NM, Charles and his wife Diana of Houston, TX, and one daughter, Dianna of El Paso, TX six grandchildren, Sarah John Giacoman, Lara Chad Widden, Rachelle Martin Barrera, Newlee Sara Hester, Matthew Mikaela Hester, and Josh Hester eight greatgrandchildren Jack and Kate Giacoman, Grace and Anna Widden, Kagan Baker, Kenley Hester, Destiny and Matt Hester, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Melrose, NM on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Bethany Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow at the Melrose Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Steed Todd Funeral Home 800 E. Manana Blvd Clovis, NM 88101, 15757635541 you may also sign the family guest book at www.steedtodd.com

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