Roy Lester
Roy F. Lester, Jr. went to be with the Lord on February 3, 2017.
He was born on the family farm in Fulton County, Arkansas, to Roy F. Lester, Sr. and Johnnie May Pemberton Lester. He graduated from Bakersfield High School. He attended the University of Missouri and graduated from Arizona State University. He joined the United States Air Force, entering the aviation cadet program. During his career he flew several models of trainer and fighter aircraft. He served in the Vietnam conflict. His last assignment was as the 1300th MAC Squadron Commander at Howard Air Base, Panama. After his Air Force career, he returned to Missouri and went into the real estate business and ranching. Roy loved his Lord, his family and his church. As a deacon at the First Baptist Church, he served on the Benevolence Committee from its inception until recently. For twenty five years, he was on the board of West Vue Homes, Inc. He especially enjoyed Wednesday golf games with his buddies and traveling with his wife and family.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Pattye Powell Lester; a son, Peter F. Lester (Martha) and a daughter, Karen J. Lester; three grandchildren, Trajan V. Lester (Hannah), Asha A. Lester and Erin E. Lester; and three great-grandchildren, Amelia A. Lester, Oliver B. Lester and William F. Lester; one sister, Cora Lee Lester Sell (Dwain) and one brother, W. D. Lester; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family requests the following be considered: Wycliffe Bible Translators, The Gideon Bible Society or OMC Foundation for the Cancer Center, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at the First Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri. Burial will be in Fayetteville National Cemetery on Thursday, February 9, 2017.
Bill and Mona Brown
February 4, 2017 @ 6:32 pm
Patty and family, sorry for your loss of Jr. But you have an assurance that you will see him again in a little while. You have our prayers.
Craig & Janet Harrison
February 6, 2017 @ 9:51 am
We are sorry for your loss Pattye and family. It is comforting to know that we have eternal life with Jesus and will be together again someday.
roger & Becky Wernsing
February 7, 2017 @ 8:54 am
We are so sorry for your loss. We were Blessed to have know Roy. We are praying for you and your family and are so thankful for the assurance that we will meet him again.
Martha Samay
February 7, 2017 @ 10:14 am
Pattye, what a blessing you and Roy have been in my life. The happy memories will never fade as we miss Roy, our cherished friend. God be with the family and comfort you, now and always.
william h. jones
February 7, 2017 @ 10:25 am
I met Roy in 1955when we were going through jet fighter pilot training.Roy was one of the finest christian men I ever had the pleasure to know. I never heard him say an unkind word against anyone or utter a word of profanity.He was truly an officer and a gentleman and I was always proud to call him my friend.My sincere condolences to his family and friends.My words fall so short of expressing my sorrow for your loss.I feel honored and blessed to have known Roy these many years.Please accept our most sincere condolences,Bill and Sharon
Yancy & Lena Yates
February 7, 2017 @ 12:23 pm
Patty, Pete, and Karen we are holding you and your family up in prayer during this time of grief. My Father Jesse Hawkins had such respect for Roy and the good Christian man that we was.
Jim & Jeanne Swope
February 8, 2017 @ 8:22 am
Pattye & family, we would like to add our condolences to the long list of persons expressing theirs. Our church family will certainly feel the loss. Many prayers are being said in behalf of your family at this time.
Roselea Mullins Payne
February 10, 2017 @ 12:06 pm
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Jr Lester. We grew up knowing the entire family
in Bakersfield. My brothers and I went to school with them at Bakersfield.
We send our thoughts and prayers to all of the family members, especially
Cora Lee & Billy.
Roselea Mullins Payne, Austin TX
Earl Wayne Mullins, The Woodlands, Texas
Joe Ray Mullins, Nixa Mo.
Herbert and Wilma Cozort
February 10, 2017 @ 3:42 pm
I also grew up with the family in Bakersfield. I remember the huge farm they had and they were our neighbors. Herb and I send our prayers to you all.
Herbert Cozort and Wilma Mullins Cozort
Nixa, Mo