On Monday August 22, 2022 John Donald, loving husband, father and  grandfather passed away at age 90. Don was born in Gainesville , Florida to Frank and Flora Hester. Don was later raised by his aunt and uncle, Eva Hester Vidal and Albert Vidal of Gainesville.

Don graduated from P.K. Yonge High School where he participated in many competitive sports. He was Captain of the Track and Field team and held state records in the high jump and high hurdles. He was Co-Captain of the basketball team and played fullback on P.K. Yonge's first ever eleven man football team. Don attended the university of Florida earning his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Physical education from the college of Health and Human Performance. He was a member of the UF basketball team and UF track team. He competed in the high jump at the 1953, Don reported for active duty. He became a radar observer in the F-94-C Starfire all weather two man jet fighter interceptors with the 48th fighter Interceptor Squadron stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. He retired from the Air force as a Major after active duty and seventeen years reserve duty.

Don was formally married to Shirley Jones Hester of Gainesville. Don returned to Gainesville in 1957 as an Interim Instructor at the University of Florida in the Department of Physical Education and Health Science. he became the Director of Competitive sports and assistant Track and Field Coach. He retired from the University of Florida in 1992 as an Associate Professor Emeritus one year after receiving the Teacher of the Year Award. In 2006 Don was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame.

Having relocated to West Palm Beach in 1994 Don and Rochelle brook married in 2000. In retirement Don enjoyed many interests and hobbies. He loved fishing, was an accomplished artist, talented musician playing many instruments including the guitar, ukulele, keyboard, harmonica and trumpet. Don's  greatest joy was spending time with his wife, his children and grandchildren. Don will be dearly missed by his devoted  wife Rochelle, his beloved children, Sherrye Hester, Terri Hester [Jeff Massey], Devin McClelland [Greg McClelland], Gef Cherwak [Jade Cherwack] step children Feicia van Dyk [Anthony van Dyk], Shari Jablon [Howard Jablon], grandchildren, Madison, Baylie, Tanner ,George ,Jackie, Aaron ,Vincent, Ryan, Jason and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of life will be held honoring Don, September 16th, 2022 at 11:00 am at Palm Beach National Chapel ,10055 Heritage Farms Road ,Lake Worth, Florida 33449.