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Submitted: 9/8/14 • Approved: 9/9/14 • Last Updated: 9/12/14 • R1037572-G0-S3
STAFF SERGEANT U.S. Army
Vietnam War
April 4, 1940-April 7, 2014
*obituary
The Baxter Bulletin
April 9, 2014
James Verl Lester, son of the late Ralph Stubblefield and Lorene Benbrook Lester, was born April 4, 1940 in Culp, Arkansas. He departed this life April 7, 2014 in Calico Rock, Arkansas at the age of 74 years and 3 days. He was united in marriage to Willa Dean Lamb on May 5, 1962 in Stone County, Arkansas and to this union four children were born. He spent his life as a son, brother, soldier, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, provider and friend. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Germany, Alaska, Vietnam, Texas and Kansas. He retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant after 13 years of service. He went on to serve the National Guard for 7 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, dominoes with his buddies and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was active in community affairs by campaigning for his favorite local politician and making his rounds around Calico Rock each day. He was best known for his smile, laughter and all around good mood. He was a member of Galatia Christian Fellowship and Wilson-Byler VFW.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years: Willa Lester of the home; four children: Anthony Lester (Natalia) of Mountain Home, Aneisha Rush Lemonier (Tim) of Fort Smith, Nathan Lester (Cindy) of Geep, Arkansas and Melissa Wilbur (Jamie) of Norfork; two sisters: Ruth Baran (Charlie) and Linda Kindig (Art); 11 grandchildren: Matthew Rush (Leslie), Lacey Bresnahan (Shawn), Dawson Herron, Alec Wilbur, Emerson Wilbur, Jensen Wilbur, Lucia Lester, Logan Lester, Ashley Crull, Quinton Wells and Isaac Wells; two great grandchildren: Ryleigh Corter and Easton Rush; brother and sisters-in-law: Harold Lamb (Tina), Ray Lamb (Geraldine), Linda Ward, Dennis Lamb (Diana) and a host of other relatives and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his mother: Lorene Lester; his father: Ralph Stubblefield and stepmother: Dalcie Stubblefield.
Funeral service will be Thursday, April 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Calico Rock Funeral Chapel with Ray Lamb officiating. Burial will be at Staggs Cemetery under the direction of Eddie's Family Funeral Home of Calico Rock. Visitation: Wednesday, April 9 from 6-8p.m.
Pallbearers: Paul Rush, Harold Lamb, Dennis Lamb, Shawn Bresnahan, Alec Wilbur, Matthew Rush and Dawson Herron.
Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Sawyer, "Tiny" Vannatter, Carl Vannatter and Lyle Wilson.
(Photo courtesy of Larry Havner)
Contributed on 9/8/14 by maxparnell
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Record #: 1037572