Monroe Howard Hester was born April 6, 1938, in the Red Hill Settlement near Vernon Oklahoma to Addimore and Annie Frazer Hester. He was the 11th child of fifteen born to this union. Monroe attended school in Vernon, Oklahoma. Monroe met ant married his childhood sweetheart Ora Lee Fields Hester and to this union two sons were born. Leland Clay Hester, and Juan Hester. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years Ora Lee Hester, one son Leland Clay Hester, one grandson Jerome Hester, mother, and father, four infant sibling, six brothers Walter, Leo, Herbert, Norman, Billy, and Theatress. Two Sisters Lily May Hobbs and Rosie Wilson

He had many hobbies fishing, hunting, dominoes, and collecting unique cars. Monroe had a passion for cooking which led to his career as a chef/cook for numerous restaurants Herman Seafood, Jack Sully Pizza, The Éclair, Hines Truck Stop and a nursing facility upon retirement. Monroe and Ora Lee were entrepreneurs opening and operating a business in Luther, a local restaurant and pool hall.

Monroe accepted Christ at an early age as he attended New Hope Baptist Church in Vernon, Oklahoma. Monroe relocated to Luther Oklahoma with his family. He joined Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church. Serving in the music ministry with his wife as the musician for many years until he received his call into the Ministry. He was ordained as a Local Pastor at Metropolitan AME where he served under the pastorage of Rev. B.Z. Lewis. Upon the retirement of Reverend Lewis. Reverend Monroe served as pastor from 1995 until 2010. One of Reverend Hester signature sermon was titled "Get Ready, Stay Ready, and Be Ready!" In 2010 the 12th Episcopal District made the decision to merge the two churches St. James AME Arcadia and Metropolitan AME Luther.

On December 12, 2024, at approximately 9:30PM the Master called him to his heavenly home. We will miss him very much but our connection with him transcends physical form and we are assured we will meet him again. Reverend Monroe Hester leaves to cherish his memories one son Juan Monroe Hester, one brother Alford Hester one sister Betty Wright Seals two daughters in love Charlene Hester and Angela Hester Hixon; Four brothers in love, Ledford Fields, Luther, Ok, Reverend Dr. Judson Fields Jr., Okmulgee, Ok; Reverend Marcellus (Brenda) Fields, Luther, OK: three Sisters in - law Odonna Fields, Edmond, OK;   Arzelia Fields, Spencer, OK,  Paulzetta Fields, Shawnee, OK Grandchildren: Clayton Daron Hester Jr., LaKesha (Ashsthar) Ayers, Ty Lorenze (Stephanie) Hester, Joy Ralene Hester, Joshua Quoyon Hester, Luther, OK and Justin Hester, Oklahoma City, OK Great Grandchildren: Kariah (Kodi) Haskin, Ft. Belvoir, VA; Leland Monroe Hester, Guthrie, Ok, Monte, Noah, Semaj, Clayton Daron Hester Jr., Janae Hester, Chanta, Sinyada,  Aainah, and Anah , Great- Great Grandchildren: Francheska and Karter Haskin and a host of Nephew, Nieces, cousins, family and friends. We extend our love and gratitude to his grandson Tye and wife Stephanie along with their family for opening their home and being special caregivers to their grandfather during his illness.