Lester Lawrence

July 9, 1924 - November 14, 2025

Les Lawrence finally folded his cards on November 14, 2025, after 101 years of bluffing his way through life with charm, wit, and a cigar in hand.
Born in 1924, Les lived through more history than most textbooks can handle. He fought bravely in WWII at the Battle of the Bulge, proving that even in war he could outlast the odds. He was the last of his 9 siblings to leave this world, he'd probably say it was just because he refused to let anyone else have the last laugh.

Les loved many things:
-His wife, Myra, who tolerated his jokes for decades.
-His daughters Linda Vanderspool (Mike) and Barbara Carr (Greg), who were taught the game of Pinochle at age 5 so he could "accidentally" win at cards.
-Cigars, which he insisted were "vegetables if you puff hard enough."
-Singing loudly, whether or not anyone asked for it.
-Cooking, especially dishes that somehow involved more butter and garlic than the recipe called for.
-Making others laugh, which we all considered his true calling.
-He was a man who was only serious when trying to win a card game, otherwise he could turn a family dinner into a feast, and a quiet evening into a sing-along

Les requested no somber goodbyes. Instead, he wanted everyone to raise a glass, light a cigar (or at least a candle), and remember that life is best lived with a full belly, a good hand of cards, and a hearty laugh.
Rest easy, Les. Heaven just got a little louder, a little funnier, and probably smells faintly of cigar smoke.

Celebration of life services will be held on January 17, 2026, at
Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church
10805 Main Street, Huntley IL 60142
10:00 AM Visitation
11:00 AM Service

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