Joe K. LESTER, M.D.

LESTER, REIF, BRITT, SEEDS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/30/2006 at 11:21:03

Joe K. Lester, 80, of Little Rock, Arkansas, died Sunday, July 17, 2005. Funeral services were held on Friday, July 23rd at the Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, North Little Rock. Joe K. Lester was born October 29, 1924 in Clarion, the son of John and Marietta Lester. Joe served in World War 1I, serving as a ranger and served through the Occupation of Japan. He qualified for medical school after only two and one-half years of college. After completing medical school at the University of Oklahoma in 1952 and several years of family practice in Shamrock, Texas, he received a degree in orthopedics and became the first orthopedist in North Little Rock.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dayle Britt Lester; five children, Mary Lester, Ellen Lester Reif and husband, Mike, Joe Lester Jr. and wife, Kathy, Carol Lester and John Lester and wife, Jessica; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by two grandchildren.

July 28, 2005
© Wright County Monitor 2005

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Dr. Joe K. Lester

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Dr. Joe K. Lester, 80, died Sunday, July 17, 2005. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. Dr. Lester was born Oct. 29, 1924, in Clarion, Iowa, to the late Marietta and John Lester. John Lester jumped ship at Ellis Island and swam to shore, fearing he would not be allowed in the country. The same determined spirit compelled Joe to use his years in the Army during World War II, where he was a Ranger and served through the occupation of Japan, to qualify him for medical school after only 2 years of college. After completing medical school at the University of Oklahoma in 1952 and several years of family practice in Shamrock, Texas, he received a degree in orthopedics and became the first orthopedist in North Little Rock.

Dr. Lester always kept his Shamrock roots. After owning the Rambler Motel on Route 66, he built the Irish Inn, which at one time was the largest motel between Oklahoma City and Amarillo. He was married to his wife, Dayle Britt Lester, for 54 years. Dr. Lester succeeded in life, but he never forgot his humble beginnings. Although in his later years he suffered from Alzheimer’s, the family had special time to care for him and he will be greatly missed, especially the twinkle in his clear blue eyes. The family would like to express gratitude to his caregivers.

He was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jack Lester. Survivors include his wife; his children, Mary Lester, Ellen Lester Reif and husband, Mike, Joe Lester Jr. and wife, Kathy, Carol Lester, John Lester and wife, Jessica; his grandchildren, Brittany Seeds, Courtney, Lyndsay and Bethany Lester, Rebecca, Will and Rachel Reif, and Max and Nicholas Lester; and a great-grandchild, Audrey Seeds.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials be to Alzheimer’s Arkansas, 10411 W. Markham, Suite 130, Little Rock, AR 72205-1409.

Roller Funeral Homes