Lester, Harold I. 1902-1988

LESTER, DOAN, GRIER, JOHNSON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 11/11/2012 at 18:02:55

The Brooklyn (IA) Chronicle; June 1988

HAROLD I. LESTER

Harold I. Lester, 85, of Barnes City, Ia., died June 14, 1988, in Grinnell General Hospital. He was born July 24, 1902, the son of David Cherry Lester and Nellie Doan Lester near Barnes City. He graduated from Barnes City High School and attended the University of Iowa, transferring to Iowa State College, Ames, Ia., where he received a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering.

On June 26, 1938, he was united in marriage with Florence Grier at Little Brown Church in Nashua, Ia. He and his father operated the Lester Produce and Trucking business during his younger years. Later in life he was involved in electrical service. He was manager of the Barnes City Independent Telephone Company for many years.

He was a life member of the Universe Lodge No. 242, having been a past Master. He attended and worked in both the Community Christian Church and the United Methodist Church until his hearing became impaired. Attending to the needs of his community totally occupied his life. He received an Honorary Certificate from the Barnes City Volunteer Fire Department for years of service.

Harold is survived by his wife, a daughter and her husband, Kay, and Dr. Richard Johnson of Mapleton, Ia.; and three grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Harlan and his wife.

Funeral services were held Friday at the Community Christian Church, Barnes City. Officiating were Pastor Richard Grimm of the Community Christian Church, and Rev. David Arulnathan, United Methodist Church. Mrs. Hazel Palmer was organist and Pastor Richard Grimm, soloist. Honorary Casket Bearers were John Grubb, Charles Fry, Earnest Mason, Gale Riggs, Gary Walston and John Westercamp with Leslie Steele, Gerald Little, Marvin Freeborn, Darwin Palmer, Roger Sampson and Rayford Draughn as Casket Bearers. Interment was in the Barnes City Cemetery.