Charles Carlton Hesser, Jr.

Charles Carlton Hesser, Jr., of Gillett, passed away at his home on Friday April 28, 2023 surrounded by his family. Charles was born August 16, 1952 in DeWitt, AR to the late Charles Carlton Hesser, Sr. and late Elizabeth Wallace Hesser. Charles graduated from Gillett High School in 1970. While at GHS, he was an outstanding athlete and was awarded All State and All District for football and baseball. After high school, Charles attended Henderson State University where he played linebacker and halfback for the Henderson Reddie Football Team; as well as, short stop for the Reddie Baseball Team. After college, he moved back to Arkansas County to farm the Hesser Family Farm with his father and uncle. Later, Charles was so proud to farm with his son, Heath.

Charles is the past President of Gillett Farmers and Business Club, President of the Gillett / Tichnor Ducks Unlimited Chapter, and past Chairman of the Board for Tichnor Dryer and Storage. In 2008, Henderson State University honored him with the distinguished “H” Award for his service and charitable donations in support of the university. Charles started Hesser Auction Company as a hobby and used his auctioneering talent to support several local charities and communities. In his younger years, Charles was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed riding horses, competing in rodeos, and playing softball. His favorite time was spent riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and spending time at his houseboat on the Arkansas River.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Linda Hesser McMillian. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kim Hocking Hesser; four children, Heath Williams (Kristie), Heidi Hesser Jester (Kevin), Heather Hesser Blackmon (Chris), and Casey Hesser; 8 grandchildren, Bailey Blackmon McNeil (Aaron), Marly Blackmon, Cutter Jester (Tessa), Jaycee Jester, Lizzie Beth Jester, Harper Hesser, Jordan Currie and Baylee Currie; 2 siblings, Carla Hesser Hestir (Rusty) and Don Hesser (Mike). Charles was blessed to extend his family with 3 stepchildren Tyler Joe Goodell (Cami), Hunter Goodell (Stacey) and Charlie Bearden; as well as, step grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and a special friend of the family, Bo Wright.

Funeral services were Tues May 2, 2023 at Gillett United Methodist Church where Charles was a lifelong member. Burial followed in the Gillett Cemetery. The Hesser family will receive family and friends at Main Street Lodge after the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Gillett / DeWitt Community Scholarship Fund or DeWitt Hospital.

The Hesser Family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice Home Care and Shanda Coleman for their wonderful care. www.essexfunerlahome.com