Charles Lee Hester, 93, of Granite City, IL, passed away Friday, January 17, 2020, at Stearns Nursing and Rehab where he had been a resident for several years.
He was born January 26, 1926, in Stewart County, TN to the late Gladys (Carney) Gregory and Arthur L. Hester. He was never married.
He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II and in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He began his career as a restaurateur as co-owner of Ralph and Charlie’s Restaurant in Madison, after which he operated Charlie’s Restaurant on Nameoki Rd. in the old Ken Theater building. Following a fire at this location, he managed the restaurant at the Luna Café in Mitchell for a while, then opened Charlie’s on Nameoki Rd., where he worked until retirement.
He was involved in Madison County politics, hosting many dinners for Presidental candidates as well as State and local candidates. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention on three occasions.
He is survived by a sister, Betty Jackson of Clarksville, TN, and a brother, Lynn (Faye) Hester of St. Charles, MO and a step-sister, Lois Petersen of Granite City; nieces and nephews, Sue Cobb, Beth Rainwater, Sherri Davies, Christopher Ousley, Keri Ousley, and Amy Scarborough, and step-nieces and nephews, Dr. Mike Adams, Cindy Grandidier and Lori Stevens; several great nieces and nephews; and those he called his “godchildren”, Mike, Noel, Diane and Trever Pyatt, and Isabella Amarelle.
Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Max C. Hester, and a sister, Sandra Ousley.
A special thank you to Vitas Hospice for their care and support, especially to his nurse, Mimi, and to his social worker, Melanie, and to Mike Pyatt, who was so faithful to visit him.
There will be no funeral service. At a date yet to be determined, there will be a military ceremony at the gravesite at Sunset Hill Cemetery, Edwardsville, IL.
Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City is serving the family.
