John Joseph Nester was born on January 24, 1928 to John B. and Alice Carle Nester. He passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025 in his home of 97 years in D'Hanis.

An only child, Johnny enjoyed close lifelong relationships with his Nester and Carle cousins. A memorable childhood event was the 1935 flood in D'Hanis. One of his boyhood jobs was delivering the San Antonio Express newspaper on his bicycle before he graduated from D'Hanis High School. He attended St. Mary's University where he studied bookkeeping. After this, he enlisted in the Air Force and spent 28 of the 36 months at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Following his military service, he took a job at Carle Mercantile and then worked as a bookkeeper and part owner of the D'Hanis Brick and Tile Company for over 50 years. He also farmed and ranched on the side. Attending dances, fishing, playing cards, and socializing with friends were his favorite past-times.

On October 27, 1953, he married Esther Hons in Hobson, Texas. They were blessed with 8 children, 13 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. He enjoyed treating his grandkids with trips to DQ and the ranch when they visited.

Dubbed the "Mayor of D'Hanis" by his grandchildren, Johnny was very active in his community and church. He spent many years serving on the D'Hanis School Board, Water Board, and the board of D'Hanis State Bank. He was also a member of the Lions Club, American Legion, Woodmen of the World, and D'Hanis Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight, and was a member of the 4th Degree. He and Esther also enjoyed attending all kinds of sporting events at the high school. Every night, he kissed his wife good night and went to sleep thanking God for blessings and praying for rain.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 71 years, Esther. He is also survived by his children: Mary (the late Mark) Sorenson, Joan (David) Hudson, Joseph (Sherrill), Laura (Tom) Denion, Charles, Linda (Mike) Cote, Carol (Jamie) Rodgers, and John (Fredericka), former daughter-in-law Cathy Egan, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mark Sorenson, and his grandson Justin Nester.

The Holy Cross Catholic Church in D'Hanis will be open for visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. until Rosary time on Monday, March 17, 2025 with the Rosary recited at 10:00 a.m. and Mass at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Cross Cemetery Fund or the D'Hanis Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements and details:  Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. www.tondre-guinn.com