October 31, 2019
Earl Ellis Lester age 82 of Smithville and formerly of Hanover, WV, passed away Wednesday October 30, 2019 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro. He was born March 11, 1937 to his parents, the late General and Minerva Mullins Lester. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Lester; daughter, Frieda Lester; siblings, Dorothy Copley, Ed Lester, Harold Lester, Shirley Mayhorn and Mack Lester. Mr. Lester was a member of the Sprattsville Freewill Baptist Church in Sprattsville, WV, a U.S. Army Veteran and a retired coal miner. He leaves to cherish his memory, 3 children, Karen Christian of Rock Island, John Lester and fiancé, Kelee Kennedy of Rock Island and Aaron and wife, Karen Lester of Smithville; 5 grandchildren, Susan (David) Taylor, Nick (Jodi) Lester, Cassi (Chad) Curtis, Jayde Lester and Jacob Lester; 5 great-grandchildren, Preston, Paizlee and Parker Sue Taylor, and Jonah and Karsyn Lester. Funeral services will be 5 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2019 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Nathan Thomason officiating. Visitation will be Friday 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Interment services and burial will be 2 p.m. EST Saturday at Palm Memorial Gardens in Matheny, WV. In addition to flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Shriner Children’s Hospital, in memory of Mr. Earl. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.