Gilbert E. Hester, 81, of Fannett, died at his residence Thursday, July 25, 2013, after a lengthy illness. He was born on May 30, 1932, in Houston, to Hixie Adella Meadows Hester and Ray Wilburn Hester.

Gilbert was a 1950 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Houston and a 1989 University of Houston graduate in Criminal Justice. He was retired from the United States Marine Corps and Houston Port Authority Police Department.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Elkins Hester of Fannett; brothers, Ray Hester and his wife, Linda, of Austin; Harold Thornton and his wife, Mary of The Woodlands; and Charles Thornton and his wife, Dee, Brenham; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Gary W. Elkins of Beauxart Gardens; Jim “Jimbo” Elkins; Pauline Breaux and her husband, Ricky of Fannett; Iris Elkins Myers and her husband, Roger, of Beaumont; and numerous other family members and friends.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Thornton.

A gathering of Gilbert’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2013, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 28, 2013, at Broussard’s, with military honors to follow at Landrum Cemetery, Fannett.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Hester’s name to Alzheimer Association, 440 18th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77707; Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675; Faith United Methodist Church, 18895 FM 365, Beaumont, Texas 77705; or a charity of one’s choice.