Frank Staley Hester Jr.

Frank Staley Hester, Jr., beloved son of the late Frank Staley Hester and Ella Trevey Hester, died April 16, 2026, after a brief illness. He is survived by his lifelong partner, Malinda; Malinda's sister, Sandy Dawyot and husband, Peter; a number of cousins including Eliza Hubble Severt and husband, Jim, of Martinsville, Va., James W. Severt II of Georgetown, Dr. Lawrence W. Severt of N.Y., Henry Brant of Marion, Va., and Dee Dolan of St. Michael, MD.; and numerous friends.

He attended schools in Salem, then entered Virginia Tech in 1960, where he received a B.S. in Accounting in 1964. The friendships he made there in F Company were a treasured part of his life as they became "F Family" through the years. His love for Tech and his loyalty continued throughout his life. He supported Tech with his presence and his generosity. He served on the Alumni Board of the Corps. Of Cadets, and he was a member of the Hokie Club, the Legacy Society, Ut Prosim, and the President's Circle.

After graduation, Staley did a 2-year tour of duty in the Army, which included an assignment to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center followed by discharge from service as a first lieutenant. He then transferred to an active reserve unit for 3 years with the U.S. Army Reserve in Salem.

Following his father's death, Staley became president of Hester Coal & Oil Corporation. He was, also, a board member, treasurer, and then president of Sherwood Memorial Park. His friendliness and genuine concern for others were important attributes in this position.

Staley was also very active in community service. He was a member of the Salem Jaycees, a board member and president of the Salem/Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, director of the Salem Christmas Parade (15 years), member of the United Way Presidents Circle, and past treasurer, secretary, and vice-president of the Salem Sports Foundation. He was a recipient of the Good Citizen Award of the Salem/Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, the Salem Rotary Club Outstanding Citizen Award, the Roanoke Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellowship, and the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Club Membership. In further recognition, he was among charter members in 1996 inducted into the Salem Alumni Hall of Fame.

First United Methodist Church of Salem was an important part of Staley's life. He loved the church he had attended since childhood, and he supported it with his service and his benevolence. He had served as Chair of the Administrative Board and lately as Chair of the Trustees.

Staley will be remembered for his friendliness, his generosity, and his unselfish service for others. He was a kind man who loved life and his fellow man. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation is scheduled for April 27, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, located at 125 W. Main Street in Salem, Va.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.