Howard Dawson Jester, Jr.
August 25, 1926 - February 19, 2018
Howard Dawson Jester, Jr., affectionately known as Dawson, age 91, of Great Falls, VA, formerly of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 19, 2018.
Born in Wilmington, DE on August 25, 1926, he was the son of the late Howard D. and Anna (Sanborn) Jester, Sr. Following high school, Howard enlisted in the US Army, proudly serving during WWII in the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he met the love of his life, Jean Curran, and together they enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Howard spent his career with The DuPont Company and retired after many years of dedicated service.
Active in his community, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Chestnut Run Credit Union, local chapter of AARP and the Delaware Department of Justice Victims Advocate Program for senior citizens. For his many years of volunteer service, Howard was proudly awarded the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award. He was also a member of the University of Delaware Touchdown Club and was the assistant head usher for more than three decades at the University of Delaware football games. Howard was an avid sports fan, always cheering on the Phillies & Eagles. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his favorite dog, Molly.
In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean C. Jester; brother, Franklin Jester; and sisters, Duane Eddy and Virginia Kimble. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Tacy Jester (James Williams), Nancy Jester Nelson (Allan), Judy Jester Brucia (Jim) and Kathy Jester Prokop (John); brother, Larry Jester; 14 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 11 am on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Queen of the Apostle Chapel at Cathedral Cemetery, 2400 Lancaster Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware. Funeral service will begin at 11 am, immediately followed by entombment.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Howard’s honor to Meals on Wheels, 100 W. 10th St., Ste 207, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Richard Farmer
We were saddened to learn of Dawson’s passing. He was a great supporter of the Colonial schools to which his daughters attended and participated in many school sports and activities. Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to the entire family. We are with you in spirit from afar.
Dottie and Rich Farmer-Greensboro, GA
Dave Samuels
Rest In Peace, Uncle Dawson.
Bob Nelson
Howard will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone who got to know him through the Military Appreciation Monday dinners. We all so enjoyed the sharing of his photos and stories from WWII. He will be sorely missed by myself and many others.
Gretchen Eddy
I am sorry I am unable to make it to Delaware to give condolences in person. My grandmother Duane Eddy loved her family very much. She made sure that we all knew our extended family. I will treasure those memories always.
Alice Collins
Your Dad was more than just another AARP Driver Safety Instructor and Zone 2 coordinator. He was an outstanding gentleman and friend.
May God console you, his precious family.