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David Lester Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David Lester
"Brother" flowers & a rose from the casket
April 28, 2010
funeral
April 28, 2010
David Michael Lester
April 28, 2010
David's first missed birthday party. (7-27-09)
April 28, 2010
A walk in honor of David
April 28, 2010
David always loved double #'s- burial spot randomly choosen was #55.
April 28, 2010
back of the headstone
April 28, 2010
cross down at the lake
April 28, 2010
headstone
April 28, 2010
Memorial at the cemetery
April 28, 2010
Memorial at the cemetery
April 28, 2010
Corbin one year later (April 22, 2009)
April 28, 2010
Rob Halcomb
April 28, 2010
I'm sure when Dave got to Heaven he put his arm around Gods shoulder and he had his straw cowboy hat on & the shirt with ripped sleeves and he said, I'm gonna need a pole barn and behind that pole barn I'm gonna need a dirt track for tractor racing. And I'm sure Dale Earnhardt peeked his head up interested in tractor races. But I'm sure God was thinking...man we're gonna have to add on! But the real reason they're gonna have to add on was because his spirit was too big~ even too big for Heaven, I think. So to you my best friend~ Good-bye, I love you & I'm gonna miss you.
Taylor Colwell
April 16, 2010
Dave, I miss you so much. I think about you every day. I wish you would just come back. I miss you a ton. I would do anything to see you again... I love you and miss you a lot.
Alison Lester
March 3, 2010
Daddy,
You were the best Daddy in the world. We always had fun! I miss you so much!
Love,
Alison
Martha Lester
February 24, 2010
David, my son, I loved you the moment you were conceived, know that love will never die. My heart is sad, yet I am grateful for the time I had with you. You were a blessing, I wish I had told you that, thank you for being my son. MOM
Sally Lester
February 21, 2010
YOU WERE IN OUR HEARTS FIRST....IT MATTERS NOT YOUR TROUBLES. You have (unselfishly) brought much joy where ever you travled. Many looked up to you, admired you, loved you and depended on you. I know you are now brining joy to Grandpa & grandma Lester. Let them know they too are loved & missed. You forever changes our world. Your loss is not just a loss to your family, but a loss to humanity. Forever loved & missed, Aunt Sally
Sally Lester
February 19, 2010
You are forever loved & missed. Family gatherings will never be the same my boy!!! What fun we have had, you, your cosins, siblings and later you own children & neices & nephews. I have many fond memories, I remember you every day. There is such a hole in my heart, that will NEVER be filled. So much I could say, Beloved Nephew speaks volumes. RIP my love
Aunt Sally
Peggy Daly
February 19, 2010
I did not know David but I am good friends with his sister Rhonda. She gets a great big smile when she talks about memories of her brother. If David can make her smile that much he must have been a very nice man.
Abby Struble
February 19, 2010
I am so glad I am able to call David my cousin! I remember growing up thinking David was so cool. I looked up to him, always thinking this is my cool cousin. I was so proud to be related to him. As I grew older he moved on with life and moved away. I remember being so excited when I heard he was moving back. I liked to hear him talk he had gotten a southen twang!
Every Father's Day my Mom would do a family picnic and David swore up and down he could out run our dog. Evey year he tried but Maggie always won! Sorry David but she was faster.
My son remembers the hay rides. He always thought it was so cool. I'm glad he has that memorie. We all have wonderful memories of you.
You will be greatly missed by all. RIP cousin, know we think of you everyday.
Abby Lester Struble and Family
Ron Lester
June 22, 2009
Son,
I may never know or understand your burdens in life, but I know that now you are free from all burdens.
I love you David.
Ashley (Randy & Stacie McKee's daughter)
June 19, 2009
Uncle Dave
How do you describe someone like David Lester? The thing is, you can't, even though there are so many things you want to say. There are no words that seem to be right, none that seem to fully explain your thoughts, your feelings, or your memories. It's so hard realizing that the memories you have with him are the last you'll ever have. It's truly heartbreaking to know that he'll never call me Ashtray again, that he'll never come around as Fire Marshall Dave anymore, and that we'll never hear him shout:"EEEY!" when he pulls into a party.
Uncle Dave was everyone's friend. Not only that, but he was everyone's BEST friend. David was so happy to see everyone, and he was always ready to make people laugh. He loved all of us so much, and I know for a fact that we all loved him two-fold in return. He was undoubtedly a TRUE friend to everyone that knew him.
It was impossible to have met Dave and to not have felt like you knew him for as long as you could remember. He had this way of making you feel like he ws your best buddy and always would be. You knew that if you needed help, he was there.
He was the guy who made things happen. If anyone spurted out an idea, he was the one to act and get people ready to plan it. Uncle Dave was always ready to have fun, and to get people together to have a good time. We all knew him as the life of the party.
Children flocked to him. Boys looked up to him. People gained fellowship through him. If not for David, a lot of people would not have come to meet those they now love and cherish. He made people into his family members, and the people that branched off as his family became each other's family as well.
Dave was a great father. He so obviously loved children, being the only grown man to play "Duck-Duck-Goose" with all of them. The kids loved him like a big brother. They loved his jokes and all the games he'd play with them, and he loved hanging out with them, too. He really was like a big brother to them.
Uncle Dave was so goofy sometimes. I know everyone has a memory of him that they can't help but chuckle at, maybe even laugh out loud at. Like on the boat-trip from 2007, when he couldn't find the towels that my mother had put away. The way he freaked out on her only gave reason to his nickname: "Bi-polar Dave."
The stories I've heard my parents and their friends exchange involving Dave were so endearing. He was just a great person in and out. He was more than a friend. He was a father, son, a brother, a husband, an uncle, and many more. David Lester was a truly amazing person that no one will forget, and we will miss him more than words can explain.
---Ashley
a.k.a. Ashtray
A special meaning to the family
June 19, 2009
I sought the Lord,
and he heard me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who looked to him are radiant:
their faces are never covered
with shame.
This poor man cried
and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps
Around those who fear him,
And delivers them.
The Lord is close
to the broken hearted,
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The Lord redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned
who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:4-7,18,22
Rhonda Wiersma
June 13, 2009
I remember David coming in my room before school and telling me to wear his jeans around the house so I would stretch out the butt...making them more comfortable from him to wear that day.
We took turns trying to scare the crap out of each other! We would hide in the bathroom closet and then jump out after the soaking had started! Or the time I placed a fake bird on the window ledge and began screaming. David came running to my rescue. I had him so convinced that it was a real bird, he started coming up with a capture plan...I about peed my pants!
We used to get BATS in the house & many times we would be running around the house with tennis racquets in hand!
There was also this time that David was putting sun screen on my back. I thought wow what a great brother...wrong! He had untied my swimsuit top and then dumped ice water on me. I jumped up only to FLASH the entire lake!
We were at a vacation gift shop and David knowing that I'm afraid of snakes, put a rubber snake around my neck. I screamed so loud we were all tone deaf the rest of the trip!
David would climb the tree in the back yard all the way to the top. Mom couldn't watch and I was so scared that he would fall.
We were at a fun fair and they had horses. David's horse freaked out and sent David up into a tree branch- he got a gash on his head. There was so much blood. I was so scared. He had to go to the ambulance on site.
David fell of the fence at the school and came home with a BIG goose egg on his head. I thought he was a goner.
The guy was always getting hurt and freaking me out. He was like a cat- he truly had 9 lives!
He got the Monster truck and told me to drive it. At first I was like COOL, but when I got in he wanted me to drive up and over the hill in his yard. I was freaking out. I thought it was going to flip over backward! I couldn't see anything but the sky and he was telling me to keep giving it gas. I wasn't that brave & rolled backwards down the hill.
I cut his hair one time and it turned out so good! He came to me one time when I was sleeping and wanted me to cut his hair again. I told him I didn't want to and that I was too tired. He didn't care he just wanted me to get up and do it. So I did! OOPS! His bangs didn't grow for months! I was ever asked for a hair cut again!?!
He called on day asking if he could use one of my dresses. HELLO! WHAT!?! I was wondering if he had finally hit is head too hard. No, it was for a party, one of his many many themed parties! He was going as a chic. So I found him a dress and a water filled bra. He was HOT!
I took 2 truck loads of bagged leaves out to burn. I started burning them and David came back to see what I was doing. I had done it all wrong and it completely stopped burning! He was helping me and showing me the correct way to build a fire. He had lots & lots of fire burning experence!BONFIRES!!!
I will forever miss David! I thought about him all the time and included him in every one of prayers! He was such a giving and lovable person. I know that he made everyone elses lives better.
I love you David now and forever!
Jordan Parsons
June 13, 2009
My favorite memory is when my Uncle Dave took us to the skate park and we just hung out all day.
Love,
"Shorty"
Carla Colwell
June 13, 2009
How can anyone explain the life of David Lester. You can't sum it up in a paragraph or even an entire novel. He was the most amazing person. I'm lucky enough to call him my brother. I have so many memories of Dave and the best thing is knowing that my memories have so many of his friends in them. David loved everyone, he would give the shirt off his back to a complete stranger and make that person feel as if they had known him his entire life. The excitement in Dave's eyes when anyone mentioned racing at Galesburg. Or that goofy smile when he had some off the wall idea. Or some of the strange words he created, like "uhoooh" My life seems empty now that he is gone, but I am happy to know I have decades of memories. Dave you will be missed for the rest of everyone that knew you's life. Love your little sister.
David Conine
June 12, 2009
While I did not know David personally, I enjoyed his teamwork at DENSO. David's area made evaps I used in my area and he was the ONLY one who would bring full skids of evaps for us to use instead of just putting them on the rack across the aisle. And he always did it with a smile! Although we thanked him everytime, I do not think he knew how much that helped us out. David was truly a team player at DENSO and will be sadly missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you the family at this time.
FMO line at DENSO 1st shift.
Barb Walters
June 12, 2009
Rhonda and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the sudden and unexpected loss of your brother. you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lee & Lina Justice
June 12, 2009
To the Whole Lester Family,
Just to say we were very sorry for your loss. We didn't know David very well, but it still has touched our hearts. We will keep you in our prayers and we know he will be greatly missed. If we can do anything, let us know. God Bless.
A dear friend
June 12, 2009
1. When Randy, Dave & I all worked third shift on Doc's team. Me & Dave was working the furnace loading YB4's I was standing there watching Dave load the last few cores on the bottom of the carrier one of the cores wouldn't slide into the grooves and he pushed harder falling forward into the nest core above hitting his forehead on the pipe putting a big mark on his forehead, for about 3 weeks. We aall laughed so hard.
2. How we said Hi every day at work, if he seen me first he would flip me off, or if I saw him first I would flip him off. That's how we said good morning to each other.
3. How we race to work every morning when I would be going by, he would be backing out of the driveway, I would beep my horn & he would go another way & beat me almost every time, then inside work he would ask me why can't I drive any slower.
Martha "Sissy" Youmans
June 12, 2009
Sissy wrote:
To the Best Daddy
Thank You Dave
It was seeing Corbin by far, light up with happiness when Dad pulled in to pick him up. They always were planning something fun. Corbin always would rave about the fun they were going to have!
Jeff McKee
June 12, 2009
Jeff McKee wrote:
My favorite memory is playing baseball in high school 1990.
Dixie Purcell
June 12, 2009
Dixie Purcell (Rhonda's niece) wrote:
My favorite memories are of the bonfires and monster trucks!
Jim Mead
June 12, 2009
Jim Mead (co-worker at Denso not sure if last name is correct) wrote:
Dave's easy going style and friendly manner made working with him a pleasure.
I will miss you very much.
Jim
Madison Peet
June 12, 2009
Madison Peet wrote:
I likes how Uncle David always had something fun to do.
I love the picture of me & Uncle David setting on the couch sharing chips & salsa when I was about 2.
Mom said that you will always be with me, in my heart & I think she's right!
Love,
Madison
Robyn Webb
June 12, 2009
Robyn Webb wrote:
My favorite memory is when we wee young we all used to play and spend time together at his house on East Ave.
Aunt Jeanie babysat my brother & me.
We will all miss you.
Love Always & Forever,
Cousin Robyn
Debbie Beronja
June 12, 2009
Debbie Beronja wrote:
The fun David & Gabriel had playing as little boys.
Barb Grant & Bill Haroff
June 12, 2009
Barb Grant & Bill Haroff (Jen's Mom) wrote:
I remember Bill (my husband- now) holding Alison at Jennifer's on July 4th the boys (Nicholas & Philip) demanding to know who he was- & why was he holding Alison.
Sarah we are here to help.
God bless you.
I will always remember that Dave lest his joy of "fast cars" with my grandsons. I can't tell you how many times they said "WE ARE GOING TO DAVE'S" with a voice of respect and anticipation! All the fun Dave, Sarah & Alison had at the lake with Jen, Rob & the kids.
Deer tracks
Dirt tracks
Dave track on our hearts!!
Sally Lester
June 12, 2009
Sally Lester writes:
There are so many...
The snake at my Father's Day picnic & David said "Aunt Sally you better go inside."
The Halloween parties...
The time Tom came home at the Holidays to surprise Grandma & David yells "that look like Tom coming". I said it is & its a surprise for Grandma. He responded "shut up David, how about more cheese ball" as he stuffed a handful in to keep quiet...
Oh david you are so loved
Aunt Sally
Tonya Coyer
June 12, 2009
Tonya Coyer wrote:
At your 2008 tractor races when Dave was about to put the car thru the trailer & I said "DON'T DO IT!" I was afraid he was going to get hurt & he looked at me like I was nuts & told me "I will be just fine Tonya". I'll never forget the look on his face that day. It was as if he was indestructible, such a show off! ha ha I'll always love Dave!
Jill Parsons
May 13, 2009
Dave Lester that says it all, Could not ask for anything better...There is not a hour that goes by that we don't think of him.. He is missed so much.. But has a spot in our hearts that no one can take away.. R.I.P. My Dear friend Jackson. (Dave).He is at peace now...
Terry and Samantha Davis
May 8, 2009
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
kelsey lodes
May 2, 2009
david lester was a good neigbor he always enjoyed us kids and had good times with him! i remeber it like it was yesterday!
Art and Shelby Campbell
May 1, 2009
We are so very sorry for your loss, Dave was a unique man. He will always be remembered as a good guy...
Stacey Lyle
April 30, 2009
I am so sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. David was a big part of my past. I considered him my high school sweetheart. My heart goes out to his wife sarah, his two children and his family. I have so many amazing memories and he will be greatly missed. God Bless Stacey Lyle (Burk)
Nikki McNichols
April 29, 2009
I attended Battle Creek Central with David. I did not know him well but I knew he was nice and also knew that he was a good person. He will be missed by all that knew him. My prayers are with his family.
May God Bless The Family in there time of need.
Nikki McKnight
April 28, 2009
Sorry for your loss. I went to Central with David he was a really a nice person and funny. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
April 28, 2009
Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss.we do not know, but God does he knows everything. now it is your time to teach the children God is Good and God is kind; God is good all the time. Learn faith as faith heals, renews,listens and gives comfort, even laughter will come back, remember,lifts up, and shares. encouage your spirit to see you through at this time. also share with Carla and Rhonda.My love goes to you all because I care. Love and Hugs. Esther
Sally Lester's mom
Dave Walstead
April 28, 2009
Sarah, we just heard about your loss and want to send our deepest sympathies. Dave was a great guy and will be missed by all. Dave and Larine Walstead
jeffery simmons
April 27, 2009
Rhonda,
I am so sorry to hear about your brother David.If you need anything please contact me.
Micki Dando
April 27, 2009
I am always here for you Sarah. If you need anything please do not hesitate to get a hold of me. I love you, you and Allie bug are in my prayers.
Anita Gunter (Crisher)
April 27, 2009
To the Lester family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. David was a dear friend to our family. May he rest in peace. Godspeed our friend!
tom@vicki black
April 27, 2009
Aunt jeannie, vicki and I were so shocked and saddened to hear of davids passing. are thoughts and prayers are with you.we love and miss you. tom @vicki Black
Mamie Osborn
April 27, 2009
Dave, Im gonna miss you whenever I hang out with eveyone. You were what made the party!!!! You will always be remembered. My prayers go out for Bug, Corbin, Sarah & your family! Now Rest in Peace and watch over us.
Jerry & Shirley Youmans
April 27, 2009
To the Family of David Lester
We are so very sorry at the loss of David. He was always the life of any party. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you lay David to Rest. May God give you peace and comfort as you deal with your loss. David is in the hands of our Lord. Rest in Peace David.
Tonya Coyer
April 27, 2009
Dave and Sarah,
I know we haven't been close in a few years but I truly enjoyed the time I have spent with both of you. David was always the life of the party and made me laugh with just one look. You are both great people and I am so sorry this happened. If you need ANYTHING, to talk, hang out, get the girls together...anything please call me.
Tonya
Karla Marsh
April 27, 2009
My heart goes out to Sarah, Alison, Corbin and David's Family! I am so sorry for your loss. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. May Dave Rest In Peace.
Jacki Gresly-Gaytan
April 26, 2009
My heart goes out to the family. I remember going to school with David. He was a cool dude. Carla was in my class. My sympathies to Carla and the family.
Paul Crisher
April 26, 2009
My best high school memories involve David. The endless entertainment we had on the front porch making fun of people stopped at the light still makes me laugh. So many memories and many stories; some I'd love to share and others....well maybe someday I'll share.
To Ronald, Martha, Rhonda and Carla my heart goes out to you. David will truly be missed. I pray you find the strength to get through this very difficult time. May God bless you all.
Rest In Peace My Best Friend.
Sarah Kidney-Campbell
April 26, 2009
My daughter Taylar Coyer, and her dad Chris Coyer spent a lot of time around David. Taylar really enjoyed him and she would always have a funny story to tell when she'd come home. I've known David since elementary school and I'm so glad that he could be a part of my daughter's life. She loves him very much. Our prayers are with your family.
Don & Debbie Bechtel
April 26, 2009
Thinking of you and your family
Barb Walters
April 26, 2009
Rhonda and Family, I am so sorry about the sudden and unexpected loss of your brother. My deepest sympathies are with you at this difficult time.
Renee Robinson
April 26, 2009
I haven't seen David in years but I grew up with him and his family. We lived right down the street from the Lester family and I spent many days playing at their house.
My family and I send our thoughts and prayers to the family. We are all thinking of you.
Rhonda, you where always a good friend to me and I am truly sorry. This is a loss for all of human kind.
BECKY MORGAN
April 26, 2009
SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS. MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY OF DAVID. I WENT TO SCHOOL AND WORKED WITH HIM SO HE WILL BE REMEMBERED AND MISSED.
IN MY PRAYERS
Heather Orbeck
April 26, 2009
I going to miss going to work everyday and hearing all the little stories that happened the night before about Bug. My deepiest sympathy.
Stormie Adkins-Munoz
April 26, 2009
To All Of David's Family -
He will be remembered by all. You are all in my prayers.
Terry Elliott
April 26, 2009
Truely a friend for many years. My heart goes out to all Dave's loved ones, family, and friends.
alyssa cook
April 25, 2009
I really didn't know david but i am cousin's with his son corbin.. i love that kid to death and we all will miss u david.
everyone will think about you.
and corbin ur daddy is watching u buddie..
i love you..
alyssa cook
dan parsons
April 25, 2009
we had alot of good times ..wether we were building race quades in your garage all night long.or raceing at galesburg, kalamazoo speedway or your back yard we all allways found a way to have a good time..im very sad that it is all going to end..the memories will be a life time full..RIP my freind
Robert Watson
April 25, 2009
R.I.P. Dave, you will always be remembered.
Beverly Masters/ McVeigh
April 25, 2009
I've known David for a long time. My brother Ron Masters and David we're really good friends and use to live together. I send all my thoughts and prayers to his family , wife and kids. Please let Carla know that my husband and I are thinking of her. I'm so sorry for your loss..
Shawn & Stephanie Garcia
April 25, 2009
Sarah, Alison, Corbin, Rhonda, Carla and Families -
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are extremely sorry for your loss.
David will be missed.
Gene Snook
April 25, 2009
Dave will be dearly missed, he was a fun guy. I am very sorry
Katey (Berryman) Goforth
April 25, 2009
I can't believe you are gone. RIP Dave
Rhonda Wiersma
April 25, 2009
I can't stop thinking about David. He was the best brother anyone could ever ask for!I love him deeply and he will be loved forever!
C Shafer
April 25, 2009
RIP David
Doug Lovitt
April 25, 2009
Sarah and Family- I am at a loss on what to say. I wish I could take away your pain.
Please know that I, and many friends are here for you, now and always.
"Ah, that it were possible
For one short hour to see
The souls we love,
That they might tell us
What & where they be.
They live now in every wondrous thing you see,and their love surrounds you still."
By Lord Alfred Tennyson
Bless you Sarah and Family. Love, Doug and Jack
Eric Brandt
April 25, 2009
I went to school with David from elementary through high school. He was a great funny guy and will be truly missed. I'm sorry for your unexpected loss.
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