Lester N. Liebel

11/17/1920 - 04/10/2011

LIEBEL,
Lester N.
(Age 90)

Of Pullman, WA passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2011 in the Enhanced Care Unit at Bishop Place in Pullman where he has recently made his home. Lester was born November 17, 1920 in Kennewick, WA to Henry and Alta Mae (Burris) Liebel. Growing up in Kennewick, Lester was a graduate of Kennewick High School in 1939 where he was active in track and basketball, was president of the F.F.A. Chapter and later served as treasurer of the Washington State Association of Future Farmers of America. Lester was a graduate of Washington State College. Following graduation Lester served in the U.S. Army during WWII serving as an officer with the 8th Armored Division in the European Theatre. Following the war he returned to Washington State and completed his Masters Degree in Agricultural Economics. Lester was active in campus affairs at W.S.U., serving as president of the Crimson Circle, his junior class, the college YMCA, the Acacia Fraternity of which he maintained an active roll later in life as well. Among his other involvements were the Athletic Council, Student Activities Committee as well as the All-Ag Club. Lester married Mildred "Millie" Swales in Pullman, WA on June 4, 1949. They made their home in Soap Lake and Colville, WA where Lester served as an Extension Officer. The family returned to Pullman in 1964 where Lester continued his career in agriculture and education at W.S.U. until his retirement, following which he and Millie moved to the lake home at Hope, ID. Lester served as a track official at WSU and remained active in the Acacia Fraternity through the years. Lester and Mille were avid Bridge players, participating in several area bridge clubs. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Shrine, as well as the Pullman Kiwanis Club and Simpson United Methodist Church. Lester loved the Cougars, attending all types of sporting events including football and basketball. He was always willing to give back to the W.S.U. Community of himself and his time. Following Millie's death in 1998, Lester married his high school friend Helen Barron. Together they spent time in both Santa Barbara, CA and Pullman. Lester was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed by all. Lester is survived by his wife Helen; five daughters Kim Nygreen, Leslie Gibson, Pam Gregory, Debbie Watson and Hosanna Becket; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Besides his first wife Millie, Lester is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, April 15, 2011 at Simpson United Methodist Church in Pullman. Rev. Todd Scranton will officiate. Graveside services with Military Honors and Masonic Rites will be held at the Pullman Cemetery at 11 AM prior to the memorial service. KIMBALL FUNERAL HOME of PULLMAN is caring for the family. Memorials are suggested to the Shriners Hospital For Children, 911 W. 5th Ave., Spokane, WA 99210. Online condolences may be sent to www.kimballfh.com.