Billie Lester

Billie Fredrick "Bill" Lester, 85, formerly of Pierce City, Mo. and Woodland Park, Colo., passed away Saturday, December 14, 2013 in Columbia, Mo. He was born November 22, 1928 in Independence, Mo., the son of the late William Carey Lester and the late Bertha May (Lewis) Lester. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved to the Lester family farm in Lawrence County, Mo. He graduated from Pierce City High School in Pierce City, Mo. He went to college one year before making two six-month tours on a merchant marine ship, the U.S.S. Hodges. He returned to Missouri and married Mary Ruth Nalley on the 5th of June, 1949. She survives. They are parents of three children, the late William Fredrick "Rick" Lester, Jeanie Kay Riddle (Randy) of Mokane, Mo., and Daniel Stephen Lester (Fonda) of Jack- son, Miss; and daughter-in-law, Sandra Lester of Woodland Park, Colo. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, William Carey Lester (Amber), Sarah Ann Wilkerson (Chris), Randee Rae Phelps (Luke), Thomas Aaron Riddle (Dana), Samantha Rae Lester, Hanna Nicole Lester, John Conner Lester, and Jada Danielle Lester; seven great- grandchildren, William Patrick, Abigail, Henry, Aaron, Benjamin, Lucas, and Jackson. Along with his parents and son, Rick, he was preceded in death by brother, Donald Hugh Lester; sister, Mildred Lester; and great-grandson, Noah Wilkerson. Mr. Lester spent several years in the Pierce City, Mo. Na- tional Guard, finishing out 27 years of service in a St. Louis, Mo. unit as a captain. He worked 39 years for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, retiring in 1987 from their State Personnel Office. After retirement he and his wife traveled extensively. In 2002 the Lesters moved to Colorado near their son, Rick Lester, who is deceased as of July 20, 2013. Mr. Lester and his son both loved life and lived it to its fullest. Bill had a deep and personal love of both God and family and gave great importance to standing by his principles. He had a spirit of adventure and a passion for the outdoors, history, and the written word. His possessed a quick wit and terrific sense of humor. He had all the attributes of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18 at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton, Mo., with a service officiated by Gary Garrett immediately following at 7:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at Mount Olivet Baptist Church near Pierce City, Mo. with Pastor Walter Horne officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Olivet- Boucher Cemetery Association, c/o Maupin Funeral Home.