Lexemuel Ray Hesler was born to Clinton F. and Laura Iris (Youngblood) Hesler on February 20, 1888 in Veedersburg, Indiana. He earned his AB degree from Wabash College in 1911 and his PhD degree from Cornell University in 1914. He married Esther Lillian Collins on July 2, 1914. Hesler began his career in Botany at Cornell University, where he worked as a fellow (1911-1912), an Instructor (1912-1914), and an Assistant Professor (1914-1919). He came to the University of Tennessee as a Professor of Botany in 1919 and held this position until his retirement in 1958. He also served as the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts from 1934 to 1958. Hesler was also known for his deep appreciation of the arts, his enthusiasm for sports and his many contributions of service to the University. He died in Knoxville on November 20, 1977.

Esther Lillian (Collins) Hesler was born on January 7, 1891 in Genesee County, New York to George Brinton and Lillian (Speer) Collins. She studied history and German at the University of Michigan and taught at Bergen High School in New York State before marrying Lexemuel Hesler. After the couple moved to Tennessee, Esther Hesler taught English in several schools in Knox County. She died in Tennessee in September of 1982.