James Edward Hestand

James Edward Hestand, Sr.,87, World War II veteran, died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011 in Dunfermline, Scotland. He leaves his wife , Mildred Utley Hestand. Ed's home was in Mineral Wells, Texas. Burial in Dallas-Ft Worth National Cemetery on Monday, October 17, 2011. Memorial services will be 2 PM Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at First Christian Church at 302 NW 6th St., Mineral Wells, TX 76067 with Rev. Pam Holt officiating.Ed enjoyed a distinguished career in transportation and safety but liked to joke that he never worked , having been retired 27 years. He was a 65 year Mason and a trustee of First Christian Church, Mineral Wells. A Democrat, he had been active in civic and community life.He was a man of wit and wisdom, a great listener, thrifty but generous, with a kind tender loving heart. He had a storybook romance with his wife Mildred and was seldom seen without her. His famous white cat, Pepper, lived 17 years and traveled with them in the US.He had fished all the famous American lakes and rivers. He had bred English bulldogs. He enjoyed travel all over North America, ocean voyages to Europe, river cruises, land journeys, visits in England and Germany, although he never returned to the South Pacific. He enjoyed politics, football , boxing, reading, music, movies , TV, and bird watching. He made friends easily and had many friends.He attended Lyda Hoe Elementary and loved Ms Musgrave. He graduated from Sunset High in Oak Cliff, and Southern Methodist University in Dallas,. He was a life long learner.He loved his family. With his first wife, Patsy Gaile Manny, he was the father of James Edward Hestand , Jr. and Diane (Steve) Turek. He delighted in his grandchildren, Stephanie (Kyle) Winright, Whitney (Kevin) Neary and Christopher Hestand. Very special joy came with the great grandchildren, Lily and Brady Winright. His other adult children are Grady (Sunny) Utley, Larry Utley, and George Utley. His daughter Lela Utley preceded him in death. Grandchildren are Kate (Titus) Toon, Suzanne (Kevin ) Bieri, Jacob Utley and Joe Montes. Also surviving are Anne and Rue Hestand III, Nim Voelkle, Mary Anna Roch , Rebecca Jones, Joe Strain, Lee Angle, his beloved Doctor Robet H. Kelly and many dear friends in whose homes he had often been a guest.