Richard James "Dick" Lesh

RICHARD "DICK" JAMES LESH
WAKEFIELD, LA - Richard "Dick" James Lesh, age 78, of Wakefield, LA, formerly of the Spencer-Van Etten, NY area, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2008, at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY.
Dick was born on July 14, 1930 in Binghamton, NY to the late Mabel Manahan and James Lesh. Dick was a veteran of the Korean War serving his country with the U.S. Navy. He was a machinist at Ingersoll Rand of Athens, PA for over 40 years.
He was predeceased by his brother, Arthur Lesh of New Orleans, LA.
Dick and his wife, Mary, fell in love with Louisiana and moved there 15 years ago to enjoy retirement. Dick was well-known for his powerful guitar playing and vocals. He loved bluegrass music. In the 1950's, he played lead guitar for the Diamond Valley Ramblers (with Kenny Marsh). The band played at square dances all over the area and particularly at the J.E. Ranch at Talmadge Hill. They were the first band to play at the WEBO Radio Station in 1957 and had their own radio show every Saturday morning. Diamond Valley Ramblers opened for many famous bands including Buck Owens. Through him he met one of his favorite singers, Winn Stewart.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Mary McKee Lesh; sons and daughters-in-law, Doug Lesh of Spencer, NY, Donald and Lori Lesh of Van Etten, NY, and Darryl and Tammy Lesh of Alpine, NY; daughters and sons-in-law, Dorry and Ed Vargo of Lockwood, NY, Deneen and George Diller of Newfield, NY, and Dawn and Rich Rose of Van Etten, NY; stepchildren, Trina Houseworth and Richard Hein of Colorado Springs, CO. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to Allen-Manzer Funeral Home, North Main St., Spencer, NY on Saturday, November 1, 2008, for calling hours from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and a Memorial Service to follow immediately after.