John A. Lester, 85, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away early Wednesday morning, Jan. 20, 2016, at his home.
He was born Feb. 19, 1930, in Summer City, Tennessee, to the late Church Lester and Mary (Morgan) Lester Hancock, and grew up in Tennessee.
At the tender age of 15, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a Military Policeman for six years. After his discharge, he graduated from ICS in Pennsylvania as an engineering drafter. John was a wonderful provider for his family and retired from Westinghouse Corp. after 36 years of service as an engineer. Along with his boss, he locked the doors for the final time when the plant closed forever.
On Dec. 25, 1952, he married Dora Hamby, and they made Mansfield their home. He was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather and loved his family deeply. Always working on something, John enjoyed completing the “honey-do” list he and his wife created and was the ultimate “handyman.”
In his free time, he enjoyed walking, bicycling and fishing. John loved his church family at First Assembly of God as his own. He was a faithful member who served as board member, usher and volunteered on many projects over the years.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dora Lester; daughter, Cynthia (Thomas) Caudill; two grandchildren, Steven (Michelle) Caudill and Jonna (Joe) Winkler; four great-grandchildren, Jessica, Jacob, David and Megan; a step great-grandson, Tyler Trease; two sisters, Charolette Garrison and Margaret Colbaugh; a half sister, Pat (Jerry) Huskin; a half-brother, George Hancock; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Lester and sister, Alaine.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd. The funeral service conducted by Rev. Thomas Blair will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at First Assembly of God, 1001 McPherson St., Mansfield, with additional visitation beginning at 1 p.m.
Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to OhioHealth Hospice, 335 Glessner Ave., Mansfield, Ohio.
Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com.
