Lester, Charles Francis– 1896-1958

DEMOSS, LESTER, ROBISON, THOMAS, THOMPSON

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:33

Chas. F. Lester Died Late Wednesday Night
Charles F. Lester, 62, of this city, died at the Skiff hospital in Newton late Wednesday night, April 2nd, following a lingering illness. Mr. Lester had been suffering from a malignancy the past several months, and was admitted to the hospital only Tuesday, at which time he was placed under oxygen. His condition failed rapidly the past few weeks, and the end came near midnight Wednesday.
Charles Francis Lester, son of John and Cora Robison Lester, was born near Colfax, Iowa, January 23, 1896 on a farm where he grew to manhood. He attended the local schools and followed farm work until World War I, when he joined the Army. Mr. Lester enlisted February 25, 1918, and left the United States for overseas duty in Germany, Aug. 14, 1918. He returned to this country following his tour of duty on June 27, 1919, and received his discharge from the service July 5, 1919. Upon his return to civilian life, Mr. Lester worked at various jobs until 1936 when he went to work with the Iowa Power & Light Co., with whom he remained employed until his final illness.
He was united in marriage to Marie Thompson February 4, 1921 and to this union five children were born. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Marie, one daughter, Mrs. Judith Thomas, Colfax; four sons, Charles Francis, Rex and Rhalee of Colfax and Malyn of Collins. One sister, Mrs. James DeMoss of Estherville, Ia., one brother, John Lester, of Newton, and nine grandchildren besides a host of other relatives and friends also mourn his loss.
Mr. Lester was a member of the Grace Lutheran church in Newton.
Charlie, as he was known to most of his friends, will always be remembered as a man among men, admired for his ability in his work, and a good friend and neighbor to those he knew. He was especially fond of children and found much pleasure in their company.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, April 5th at 2:00 p.m. from the Christian Church in this city with Rev. N. G Clayton, pastor officiating. Final military rites were conducted by members of the American Legion.
Music was furnished by Pat Bone, soloist with Mrs. Lee Schmitt, organist.
Bearers were Walter Beard, Gordon Shissler, George Hanna, Harold Grimm, Dick Stewart and Wayne Henderson.
Flower committee – Mrs. Opal Wharff, Mrs. James Martin, Miss Mary Ruth Williams and Miss Carolyn Huntrod.
Burial was in the Colfax Cemetery.
Source: Colfax Tribune; Thursday, April 10, 1958

Out of town relatives and friends attending the last rites Saturday afternoon for Charles F. Lester, Sr. were Mr. and Mrs. James DeMoss, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Stover, Mr. and Mrs. Frank DeMoss, all of Estherville, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. William DeMoss, Earl, Kenneth and Wilma of cylinder, Miss Mable Bergquist, Boxholm, Mr. Harold Flickenger, Ames, Mr. and Mrs. Nason Kloppenborg, Collins, Mr. and Mrs. John Lester, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kuhn, Mrs. Pearl Bennett, Mrs. Don Danks and Mr. and Mrs. Byron Leadman, all of Newton, Mrs. Jack Danks, Mr. and Mrs. John Pickles all of Kellogg, r. and Mrs. Dan Doud, Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Lester all of Prairie City, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Thomas, Marshalltown, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Durbala, Cedar Rapids, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Patty, Ottumwa, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Novinger, Collins, Mrs. Arthur Tiffany, Monroe, Mrs. Bertha Thomas, Ira.
Source: Colfax Tribune; Thursday, April 10, 1958