Lester Ervin Van Dine, 89, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully at his home on January 13, 2019. Lester was born December 24, 1929.
He attended Mansfield Senior HS and graduated in 1949. He entered the US Army in 1952 and was stationed in Germany until his discharge in 1954. He returned home and met his wife of 54 years, Janice. They married September 3, 1955 and settled in Mansfield. Lester worked for Tappan in Mansfield and retired after 21 years and then worked for MadisonComprehensive Schools until his retirement in 1994. Lester and Janice raised 5 children and gave many children a place to call home as foster parents for Richland County. Lester enjoyed camping with his family and a good tractor show or steam engine show. Lester was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he was custodian for over 40 years. He will be remembered for his faithfulness and his dedication to his family and God.
Lester is survived by his sisters, Ellen M. Mitchell and Alma L. Smith; his brothers, David G. Van Dine and Ronald D. Van Dine; his 5 children, Glenn E. Van Dine, Cynthia Mae Trisdale, Lester Joseph Van Dine, Deborah K. Jamieson and Janice Cathrine Wyrick. They have 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Lester is preceded in death by his wife, Janice Van Dine; parents, DeLee (Daugherty) and Lester Van Dine; brother, Kenneth A. Van Dine; and grandson, Evan Kemp.
Friends and family may call from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1592 Grace Street. Services to follow at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. Robert Stull officiating. Graveside services immediately following at Oak Grove Memorial Park, 4108 State Route 42 Lexington Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or Kindred Hospice.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.wappner.com.
