Dr. Richard Kelly Hester, 78, passed away January 17, 2026. Known to all as Kelly, he was born July 30, 1947, in Austin, Texas, and grew up in Dallas, Tyler, and Irving as the eldest of four children, a role that shaped him into the hardworking, devoted man his family and community came to know and love. 

Kelly earned his undergraduate degree from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, going on to complete his PhD at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 1975. After teaching and doing research at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, he joined the Texas A&M College of Medicine as one of its founding employees, beginning a three-decade career dedicated to shaping the next generation of physicians. He served as a professor, associate dean, and ultimately professor emeritus, bringing his remarkable intellect and deep passion for education to countless students who were fortunate to learn from him. In recognition of his lasting impact, the College of Medicine named an award in his honor—the Dr. Kelly Hester Teaching Award for Basic Science Education.

Kelly was a world-class rugby player whose talents took him across the globe, earning him a place in both the Dallas and San Antonio Rugby Halls of Fame. He coached rugby at Texas A&M for a few years before his teaching responsibilities consumed all his time. However, it was on the soccer fields of Bryan-College Station where he may have made his deepest mark as a coach. For years, Kelly coached the Brazos Magic Soccer Club, guiding both of his sons' club teams and becoming a beloved figure to every player he mentored. He brought the same dedication to those young athletes that he brought to everything in his life.

Kelly was, above all, a family man. From a young age, he helped raise his younger siblings, and he carried that same selfless devotion into his own family. He was an extraordinary father and husband—the kind of man who showed others how to live through his example. His son Zach describes him as the hardest working person he ever knew, and the hero he looked up to.

Kelly loved anything outdoors. He loved raising and riding horses and teaching his children to do the same—he even rode bulls for a time, though thankfully he didn't pass that on to his sons. Whether hiking in the mountains or swimming in the ocean, he made his happiest memories sharing adventures in nature with his children. It was one of his greatest joys and a reflection of the love he had for his family and for life itself.Kelly was preceded in death by his son Kasey. He is survived by his wife, Chrissy Hester; his son Zach and wife Molly Hester; his grandsons Hudson, Dylan, and Sam; his granddaughters Anna, Tessa, and Olivia; his sisters Janet Mills and Lisa Epperson; and his brother Craig Hester and wife Joyce.

The family will gather privately to celebrate Kelly's life. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to make a donation to the Kelly Hester Memorial Scholarship through the Texas A&M Foundation, continuing his lifelong commitment to education. Checks may be mailed to Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840 (please note "Dr. Kelly Hester Scholarship Fund" in the memo line).