Jackie Dale Hester, 73, of Wallingford, passed away Friday, May 22, 2026, at his residence.

Born in Wallingford on August 21, 1952, Dale was a son of the late Clayton Emerson Hester and the late Wilma Jean Doyle Hester.

Dale had worked for Hinton Mills at both the Jabetown and Flemingsburg locations. He retired from Browning’s after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Muses Mill Christian Church. He had served on the Muses Mill Fire Department Board and was a Kentucky Colonel. A member of the FFA Alumni, Dale was also a little league coach and UK basketball fan. He was an avid pocketknife collector, and he had a great fondness for horses and Westerns. He proudly served his country in the United States Army.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kimberly “Kim” Sutton Hester; his two sons, Jared Hester and Justin (Emily) Hester; and his grandson, Jaxon Hester. He is also survived by three of his siblings, Mary Butcher, Daryl (Sherry) Hester, and Jack (Shirley) Smalley; along with many extended family members and friends.

In addition to his mother Jean and his father Clayton, Dale was preceded in death by his brother, Roger Hester and his two infant brothers, Gary Ray Hester and Robert Morris Hester.

The funeral will begin at 10 a.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Flemingsburg Christian Church with Bro. Ronnie Conley and Bro. Doug Reeves officiating.

Dale will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park with military honors.

Pallbearers include Jaxson Hester, Justin Hester, Jared Hester, Jack Smalley, Kenny Montooth, Daniel Hester, Dustin Dyer, and Danny Lee. Honorary pallbearers include Mike Eddington, Jim Bradley, Brett Somers, and Seth Bailey.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 4, at the church located at 201 East Water Street in Flemingsburg.

Boone-Nickell Funeral Home is caring for Dale and the family.

In place of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Dale to the Disabled American Veterans (P O Box 23194, Lexington KY 40523) and/or the charity of one's choice.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com