Hank Ivester

Hank Ivester, age 85 of Purcell, passed away Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Henry Earnest Ivester was born July 10, 1936 in Knoxville, TN, 1 of 6 children born to Loy Reece Ivester and Emma (Henry) Ivester. He was raised in Wolf Valley, TN where he attended school. At the age of 17, Hank answered the call to service and joined the United States Air Force. He was a proud patriot and served his country proudly for more than 25 years. Hank served tours in both Vietnam and Korea, and was fortunate to live all over the Europe, spending time in Germany, Japan and Italy, amongst others. Hank married Margaret Weaver, and to this union a daughter, Cherie was born. He worked as aircraft mechanic for many years, later retiring as an accident investigator. By 1981, he had settled in Oklahoma. He met Ruthelen (Moore) Campbell, and on May 24, 1985. Hank married Ruthelen along with her son, Dwayne, two families became one. They first made their home east of Lexington before moving across the bridge to Purcell. Even in retirement, Hank lived and breathed airplanes and music. He built electronic model planes and at one time a gyro plane, before suffering a stroke, and losing his pilot's license. He enjoyed music, and spending time in the great outdoors whenever he could. Hank cherished Ruthelen and his children, and he was never happier than the day he became a grandpa. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by: his parents, Loy and Emma Ivester; his little brother Hugh Ivester and brother-in-law, Lee Ruble. Hank is survived by: his wife, Ruthelen Ivester of the home; daughter, Cherie Hudson of Purcell; son, Dwayne Campbell and wife Donna of Blanchard; brothers, Bob Ivester and wife Sandy of Largo, FL and Arthur Ivester and wife Johanna of Peru; sisters, Barsh Ruble of Wolf Valley, TN, Mary Jo Ivester of West Palm Beach, FL; sister-in-law, Judy Ivester of Cheyenne, WY; Grandchildren, Thomas Hudson of Phoenix, AZ, Amber Getts (Richard) of Lexington, Tye Campbell of Norman, Mason Campbell of Mustang, Brandon Vickers of Blanchard, Wade Vickers and Zachary Vickers, both of OKC; 7 great grandchildren, Jessica, Jaydon, Saraya, Lillian, Payton, Luke and Laramie, and a host of other family and friends. Private Family Memorial. Send online condolences @ www.wilsonlittle.com.

Hank Ivester

July 10, 1936 - August 18, 2021