Luthur Ester

Luther Jones Ester was born June 6, 1944, in Minter City, Mississippi to Vercie Lee Lawrence and Charlie Dickson. He is predeceased by a daughter, Marble "Gail" Tyler; a grandson, Demetric Brown; his parents and sister, Earlean Quinn. 

Luther once described life in Mississippi as "harder than I wanted to live". Seeking a better life he moved to Chicago, Illinois after high school graduation. Luther was drafted into the United States Army in 1964. He was stationed in Germany and Vietnam during his two overseas tours of duty. During his time in the military, Luther received multiple commendations:  National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation and the Vietnam Service Medal. Luther was a Staff Sergeant when he was honorably discharged in 1968. 

Luther eventually moved to Saint Louis, Missouri where his mother and three sisters - Ora Dell Lawrence, Mattie Roberts (husband, Roosevelt) and Earlean Quinn (now deceased) - lived. While living in Saint Louis, Luther worked for Bi-State Development Agency as a bus driver. He was a member of ATU Local 788 and retired in 1993 after more than 20 years of employment. Luther was also a business owner, he owned and operated Ja-Mar Package Liquors in two locations on the North Side of Saint Louis. Luther closed his business after more than 30 years.  Family and his children were always most important in his life. Luther was extremely close to his sisters, nephews and nieces.

Luther is survived by his children: Evelyn Taylor-Mays (Brian), Ruleville, MS; Arnita (Alonzo) Woods, Chicago, IL, Yolanda Irby-Wider, Atlanta, GA; Tony (Yolanda) Ellis, LaSharne “Shawn” Ester, all of Clarksville, TN; Luther (Natasha) Esther II, Amie Cheeney all of Saint Louis, MO and Lauren Ester, Atlanta, Georgia; 14 grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews’ other relatives and friends.