Joe Nester

JOE NESTER
May 25, 1949 – May 8, 2025

Joe Nester was on our Jan 1970 Roster. He served with us 69-70 and is from Mulberry AR . Sadly, he passed 8 May 2025 after a long fight with cancer.

PHOTOS

Joe Nester and Holly Dickerson

Joe humped an M60 Machine Gun

FAMILY PHOTOS

NOTES FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Joe's daughter Sherry Hesson wrote: My dad Joe Nester went to be with the Lord at 9:30. He is in the arms of Jesus with no more suffering.

Joe's daughter in law Amber Patton Nester wrote: I know heaven just got a little bit better. Joe, thank you for being the best father in law ever. You took Me and my daughters in as your own and then came Eli. You was one of the best Papa’s out there. Thank you for loving me as a daughter. Until we meet again.

2nd post - The man, the Myth and the Legend. Our papa Joe. This guy would go above and beyond for his family. He always had a smile on his face, and that smile got bigger when the Grandkids came in the room. He loved his grandkid more than life itself. Please keep our family in your prayers.

3rd post - Hands down one of the best father in laws ever. I never seen him without a smile on his face. The way he accepted me and my daughters as his own. Says a lot about his character. He adored all of his grandkids and great grandchildren. He went to every one of there games, school functions or what ever they had going on. They definitely brought a smile to his face. Never ever did I ever hear him say anything negative. Unless you messed with his grand babies. He was one of Eli’s biggest supporter in baseball and until he got sick came to every game close to home. He loved watching him play. He absolutely adored my mother in law. They was the definition of the perfect couple. Did they have there ups and downs, absolutely, but they battled through and had the perfect marriage. I am so glad I got to spend Christmas at my house with him. He even said my cooking was good. Now we all know and he definitely knew I hate to cook. But he said it was delicious. I am definitely gonna miss him and all the BS me and him would talk about. Joe, thank you so much for being the best father in law ever, and even more the best papa to my kids. I know we will all have a guardian angel with us.

Joe's son Joe Jr. wrote: At 9:25pm, my hero, mentor, and best friend took his last breath surrounded by family after a 4 year battle with cancer. I am forever grateful for everyone’s prayers and happy to know my Dad is no longer suffering. Prayers for my Mom and the whole family as we learn to navigate without my dad behind the wheel.

Avenger Brother Holly Dickerson wrote: So sorry to hear this sad news Sherry. Joe and I were in the same infantry squad and went through a lot together. Your Dad was a great soldier and great friend and will be missed by many. I will pray for you and your family.

Avenger Brother Clyde Sisler wrote: RIP Joe, Prayers for the family!

Avenger Brother Ed Mitchell wrote: Our sincere sympathy and condolences to you and your family. Prayers for strength, comfort, and healing for all of you.

Avenger Brother and webhost wrote: so sorry.. . i will update our "in Memory page this morning. I will add the photos your brother shared. If you get graveside pics and an obit I will share as well. Another Brother gone too soon.

Avenger Brother Ken Counts wrote: RIP Brave Soldier

Avengerette Tena-Tracy Skidmore wrote: Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

Joe's wife Maria posted: This is one of the harder post, I have ever made, the love of my life left us at 9;25 tonight. He has been in pain for a long while and now no more pain. He is with God. We had almost 45 years of love.

The day of the service:

Joe's daughter Sherry Hanson said "Thank you to all our family and friends for the prayers, flowers, meals, texts, calls and cards, Dads service was beautiful and we know he is in heaven watching over us. He is walking threw the streets of gold healed completely, waiting for the day we see him again."

Joe Jr. wrote: Today we celebrated my dad!!! I was so lucky to get to spend 44 years with you… I could not have asked for a better, dad, I’m gonna miss you so much… i will make sure mom is taken care of!!! I love you Little Joe!!! Joe Nester until i see you again REST IN PEACE.

OBITUARY

Joseph “Joe” Nester, 75, of Mulberry, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Fort Smith. He was born May 25,1949 in Hanford, CA to the late Jacob and Ada (Long) Nester. He was in the Army and was a truck driver.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Bennett.

He is survived by his wife, Marla Nester of the home; two daughters, Sherry Hesson and her husband Raymond of Mulberry and Carolyn Gresham of Mulberry; a son, Joseph Nester and his wife Amber of Bentonville; three sisters, Laura Calyate of CA, Betty Smith of Fort Smith, Brenda Scott and her husband William of Poteau, OK; a brother, Larry Nester and his wife Kim of Georgia; seven grandchildren, Matthew Hesson (Zuri), Morgan Hesson (Brittany), Braden Gresham, Megan Sims-Navarre (Deion), Skylar McCombs, Brecken Smith and Eli Nester; and nine great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Hesson, Morgan Hesson, Braden Gresham, Ashton Ellison, Deion Sims-Navarre and Eli Nester.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

SERVICES

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 16th 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home (4100 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, AR 72956). A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 17th 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel (4100 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, AR 72956). A burial will be held on Saturday, May 17th 2025 at the New Cemetery (1112 Alma Ave, Mulberry, AR 72947).