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JEFFREY LESTER Obituary

Jeffrey Charles Lester was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois on October 9, 1954. He passed away at his home in Clovis, California on Sunday, December 18, 2011, at the age of 57. Jeff attended Gibson Elementary School, Tenaya Junior High School, Bullard High School and California State Universiey, Fresno graduating with a degree in Agricultural Science. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Fraternity. Upon graduation from CSUF in 1976, Jeff joined his father Don at Lester Distributing, a produce distribution company. Lester Distributing sold fresh tree fruit and table grapes around the world. Jeff also farmed grapes, plums and cherries. Jeff was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to snow ski, water ski, fish and hunt. Spending time on his boat at Shaver Lake with his family and friends was one of his favorite things to do. Jeff was a person who seized life and lived each day to the fullest. His commanding presence and sense of humor made Jeff a person who was hard to forget. He could fix anything from a leaky faucet to a tractor and everything in between. One of his often repeated quotes was, "If you're going to do it, do it right". He valued the many friendships that were made throughout his life: from high school, college, and his thirty years in the produce industry as well as his many fishing and hunting buddies. If Jeff was your friend, he would give you the shirt off his back but might charge you interest. Jeff was a loving son, brother, husband and father. He and his wife Liz created an amazing family. Their four children were the light of his life. Jeff is preceded in death by his father, Donald C. Lester; and his sister, Darcie Lester. He is survived by Elizabeth Lester, his loving wife of thirty years; son, Jeffrey Charles Lester II; daughters, Jessica Lester, Natalie Lester and Amanda Lester; mother, Bonna Lester; brother, Kevin Lester MD and his wife Linda; sister, Donna Raven and her husband Ted; aunt, Shirley Soule; and twelve nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at New Harvest Church, 698 N. Minnewawa Avenue in Clovis on Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at 11:30 a.m. A Celebration of his Life will be held following memorial services at the Veterans Memorial Building, 808 4th Street in Clovis from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Remembrances may be made to California Water Fowl Association, 740 W. Alluvial Avenue, Suite 102, Fresno, Ca. 93711l; Childrens Hospital of Central California, 9300 Valley Children's Place, Madera, Ca. 93636; or donor's favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Dec. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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mark lewis

December 16, 2021

Thinking of you Jeff...

Mark Lewis

December 17, 2019

Jeffrey loved to laugh...and he always made me smile. It's hard to look at the giddy face of his and not remember a lot of good times.

Gena Balugo

January 4, 2012

I was so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing.He was a great guy with an infectious smile and great wit.I know he will be greatly missed.

Linda Gillis

December 27, 2011

Dear Liz and Family,
Today's service was an incredible tribute to a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle, and father. You and your family have been in my prayers since I first heard that Jeff was ill, and you will continue to be in them in the days to come.

Laurie

December 27, 2011

Jeff will be missed by many of his piers in the Produce Industry. I am just one of many. God Bless the Lester Family.

December 27, 2011

Sending our deepest sympathy on Jeff's passing. Fun filled memories of college days....what a great guy! When we saw Jeff this past October he was talking about his family and so proud of all of you. We are sending love and prayers to all of you.
Jean and Duane Bettencourt

Florence &Wayne Cunningham

December 27, 2011

Dear Liz & family we offer our sincerest condolences to you and all your loves ones
God Bless
Florence,Melissa & Wayne Cunningham

Jodi Winter

December 26, 2011

Liz, Jeffrey, Jessica, Natalie & Amanda, We are so sorry for the loss of your husband & dad! We know he was very cherished, was very successful, especially in raising a WONDERFUL family, whom we have had the privilege to enjoy. May God's love & peace bring you comfort! We love you and pray for you daily! Jodi, Randy, Seth, Chad & Kendra Winter

Gweynn Archer

December 26, 2011

Dear Liz, Jessica, Natalie, Jeffrey & Amanda,
We are so sorry for your loss. This has been such a difficult journey. Please know that we are here for you guys and will continue to pray for a peace that surpasses all understanding. We love you!
The Archers

Joan McPherson

December 24, 2011

Jeff will be sorely missed by all that knew him, he was a wonderful friend. My prayers are with his family.
Joan

Debbie Saghatelian

December 23, 2011

The Saghatelian family, Leon, Debbie, Tommi and our mom Millie are so sad to hear of Jeff. We all have special memories of Circle Drive days and Jeff. deepest condolonces to his children and wife and family

Lance & Carolyn Dibble

December 23, 2011

We are so sorry to hear that Jeff lost his good fight. We know that he is with Our Lord and at peace. Those he leaves behind will find peace in all the memories we hold in our hearts of this wonderful man. Our prayers go out to his family. We are proud to call him "Friend". God Bless You All and God Bless Jeff.

Rhonda Gilmore

December 23, 2011

Praying that God will blanket you Liz, and the family with His peace. Incredibly sorry for your loss...

December 23, 2011

Jeff's infectious smile and personality will never be forgotten. All you have to do is think of him and you smile. Dave is one of his many hunting buddies in Princeton with lots of great stories to tell. We both will miss him. Our prayers to all of his family. Dave Torres & Pam Hileski, Chico CA

Anthony Toto

December 23, 2011

Our deepest condolences to the Lester family. Words can not express... God bless you in this difficult time.

Patrick Cavanaugh

December 23, 2011

Jeff was a wonderful part of the produce industry, and undoubtedly a wonderful father, husband, brother and son. He is being remembered by many, many people!

Gregg Rendino

December 22, 2011

There are many stories that will always keep Jeff alive in our hearts. One day it unexpected began to rain when Jeff called and was concerned due to a large portion of the walls of your home being removed in order to accommodate the planned addition to the house. We met at the house with tarps in hand. A short time later I realized I was the one two stories in the air with Jeff standing on the ground.

All our love,
Gregg & Chris Rendino

December 22, 2011

Although we never met Jeff's family after he grew up, we shall never forget the adorable 6th grader who used to hang out at our home with some of his "buds"...we, too, shall remember him with a smile on our faces. Our deepest condolences to all of you! MEREDITH AND BOB KEMP

Becky Phene

December 22, 2011

Liz and family, we are so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and always.
-the Phene's

Cheryl Chedester

December 22, 2011

My prayers and sincere condolences go out to Jeffrey's family.

Jeff, your wonderful smile and very big heart will stay with me always.

Arthur and Cheryl Gardner

December 22, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Liz and your family.

Mark Lewis

December 22, 2011

...May you fly with the Angels Jeff.
We are so sorry for your loss Liz. Prayers to all of you.

December 22, 2011

Dearest Liz and family,
We have wonderful memories of trips with yall and fun photos to share.
I wish you peace and comfort and that your memories will sustain you during this difficult time.
With hugs and love,
Dicki and Jack Lavine

December 22, 2011

JEFF WAS A DEAR FRIEND AND WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED, MY PRAYERS TO THE LESTER FAMILY. LOVE LORI AMERIAN.

December 22, 2011

There are no words to tell you how we feel having heard about Jeffrey. His smile, his humor, his quick wit never ceased. To know him was to love him, and we did. Liz, we will never forget the fun we all had together on our various trips and weekends, and thoughts of you and Jeffrey will always be in our hearts.
God bless you and your beautiful children and may all of your memories of Jeffrey bring some comfort now and always.
We love you, Betty and Freddie Karrat,NY

Bob Previte

December 22, 2011

Very sorry for your loss.

Simone Aller

December 22, 2011

It is so sad to hear that Jeff is gone. I will always remember him with a smile.

Joan Borrelli

December 22, 2011

My condolences to the Lester family.

Nicholyn Lovick

December 22, 2011

Liz and Family. I am so sorry to hear about Jeff. I have been thinking and praying for you all week. May you have comfort in this difficult time and surrounded by friends and family. I love you. Nicholyn Lovick

Susan Previte Paynter

December 22, 2011

My thoughts and prayers to the Lester family

Vicky & Eddie Burns

December 22, 2011

My prayers go out to Jeff's family. He was such a wonderful fun person. He will be greatly missed.

Mary and Chris Milton

December 22, 2011

When I think of Jeff, I just...smile. You know you've done something right with your life when people say that. His smile, infectious laugh and outrageous personality all contribute to his legacy. Even in the final days of this journey, his attitude towards life was so. . . Jeff. He was loved by all and our hearts will ache for some time ~ but the mere thought of him will forever make us smile. He is now entertaining all who surround him! Our thoughts and prayers to all he left behind.

Lynda Borrelli

December 22, 2011

My prayers are with you all. Jeff was a truly great person. He will be missed by all. Love you all xoxoxoxo

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