Lester Rea

Lester R. Rea, 93, of Rexville passed away at 12:15 p.m., Monday, January 26, 2026. He was born near Rexville on December 30, 1932, the son of Earl and Edna Starke Rea. He was married to Mary Jessie Demaree on October 3, 1970 and she preceded him in death on January 16, 2015. Survivors include one son John Rea of Rexville; three granddaughters Hannah Rea of Golden, Colorado, Julia (Chase) Samples of Osgood, and Elizabeth Rea, a student at Purdue University at West Lafayette. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother Russell. Mr. Rea was a 1951 graduate of New Marion High School where he was his class salutatorian. On May 20, 1953 Lester enlisted in the US Army and served until May 5, 1955 as a Corporal with the 1st Infantry Division and the 3rd Armored Division. For service to his country Lester received the National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupational Medal (Germany), Good Conduct Medal, and the Sharpshooter Badge. In civilian life he was a farmer and worked for 36 years at the Jefferson Proving Ground as a director in material testing and weapons maintenance. Lester enjoyed hunting, fishing, and helping John with his farming. When his health allowed, Lester attended the Versailles Church of Christ. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 12 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Randy Thieman officiating. Burial will be in the Fairmount Cemetery in Madison with military honors by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will also be on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials may be given to the West Fork Cemetery or the Versailles American Legion in care of the funeral home.