Richard “Rick” Nester, 77, passed away on December 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born on November 12, 1948, in Lebanon, Indiana to Milton and Sarah (Sally) Nester. He was raised in Lebanon alongside his sister, Nancy, and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1967. He earned a degree in accounting from Indiana University, which inspired a lifelong habit of cheering for the Indiana Hoosiers.
He married his lifelong love, Carol (Nesbitt), in 1972. Together they raised a son, Tyler, and a daughter, Suzanna. He volunteered for many of their activities as a coach, sponsor, prop builder, and swim meet timer.
Richard joined his family’s business, Halfacre and Nester Plumbing and Heating, full-time shortly after his college graduation. He worked alongside his parents for most of his career, helping his community through honest hard work for nearly 50 years.
Rick loved being with his wife in their beautiful gardens, which they created together. He also loved traveling and visiting his five cherished grandchildren. For the last several decades, Rick hosted his children and grandchildren each summer for weeks at the beach outside Charleston, South Carolina. There, he provided days filled with beach-combing, bike rides, and swimming and evenings filled with sparklers, bubbles, and ice cream.
For over 30 years, Rick and Carol enjoyed spending their Friday nights with the “Friday Night Dinner Crew.” He enjoyed hours of companionship and laughter with this core group of close friends. He especially loved traveling with Carol through the American West, particularly through their beloved national parks. He enjoyed hiking and picnicking with Carol alongside countless rivers, lakes, and streams out west.
He was a voracious reader and spent hours in his workshop creating furniture and objects for his family and friends.
He is survived and will be missed by Carol, his wife of 54 years, as well as his son Tyler (Meghan) Nester and his daughter Suzanna (Jeffrey) Mayhugh. His sister Nancy also survives. His five grandchildren, James, Owen, and Maia Nester and Amelia and Henry Mayhugh will miss his grandfatherly devotion, July 4th celebrations, and limitless candy supply.
A private service for his family will take place at a later time. Myers Mortuary and Boone County Crematory have been entrusted with his care.
Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com