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Hutton & McElwain Funeral Home - MaconJerry Lester Obituary
December 25, 1936 – February 20, 2026
Jerry Lee Lester ,86 of Macon, Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 20, 2026, at Loch Haven Nursing home in Macon, MO. His bride of 70 years passed away 6 days before him, and he was ready to be with her.
He was a Christmas baby born on December 25, 1936, to George Seymore and Elizabeth Irene Lester in Perry Iowa. He eloped and married Carolyn Sue Day on September 2, 1955. He worked for many years at Peabody Coal Mine driving a bulldozer and at Banquet Foods.
He loved working with his hands building, repairing all kinds of things and was always modifying things to make them better. Also enjoyed painting pictures, putting together different models of Stagecoaches, horses and ships.
He is survived by his 4 children: Debbie Craigg of Macon, Jean Miller and her husband Brandon of Ardmore; Jerry D Lester of Macon, Denver Lester and his wife Mary of Callao. He is also survived by a brother Paul Lester of Bevier and a nephew Danny Lester and wife Kathy of Macon. He was a proud and devoted Grandpa to Michelle McLeland-Pipes, David Craigg, Valerie Schlipf-Rickard, Christopher Lester, Christina Minor, and Krystal Ellis. He lives on through his 11 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Irene Lester, brother Gary Lester, Sister Gloria Cosgrove, mother-in-law and father-in-law R.L. Day and Letha Day, brother-in-law Roy Gilstrap, son-in-law Dennis Craigg and daughter-in-law Deborah Lester.
Jerry will be remembered for his faith and love for his family. He was a longtime member of Open Arms Baptist Church in Macon and knew the Lord Jesus as his Savior. He will be missed but we know he is in Heaven with Mom walking and talking with Jesus.
A public graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Macon. In Lieu of flowers the family requests a contribution be made to Open Arms Baptist Church in Macon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Sheri Lester- Hurst
Earlier today
Debbie, Jean, Jerry, Denver and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Uncle Jerry´s passing.
The love He and Aunt Carolyn had was to be admired and cherished.
I´m so glad they have been reunited and will spend eternity together with their Savior Jesus.
Uncle Jerry,
I was always so proud of the Husband, Father and Grandpa that You were to your Family.
Rest in Heavenly Peace.
I know GOD has welcomed you into his Heavenly Kingdom.
Saying to You, Well done my good and faithful servant.
With love, Sheri Lester-Hurst
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Upcoming Events
Feb
25
Services provided by
Hutton & McElwain Funeral Home - Macon