Michael Wayne Hester, 68 of Wood River, IL, passed away at 6:06 p.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025 surrounded by loved ones at his side.

He was born December 21, 1956 in Alton, IL to the late James and Zelpha (Scott) Hester.

Throughout Mike's life he enjoyed doing all types of trades. But the one he enjoyed most was the roofing trade.

Mike was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan for some 60 years and you would always find him in St. Louis at Busch Stadium on opening day.

In Mike's spare time, he loved playing baseball and softball for 30 plus years of his life. He also loved to camp and fish or any outdoor related activity.

Mike is survived by a son Adam and granddaughter Rose, A brother Dewey Hester of Broseley, MO; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy and James Davis of Roxana, IL; Cindy and Sonny (a.k.a. Brother-in-Law) Mitchelle of Poplar Bluff, MO; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, a sister Emma Windsor and a brother Jim Hester.

Visitation will take place from 11:30 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 at Gray Funeral Home in Wood River with Rev. Stephen Gray officiating.

Burial will follow at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorials be made to Otto (Sonny) or Cindy Mitchelle