Lester F. Demmin

Lester F. Demmin

Norfolk - Captain Lester Franz Demmin, USN Retired 88,died on Sat., Jan. 6, 2018. He was born in Cornelius, Oregon to Walter and Lydia (Schoknecht) Demmin. He grew up on a family owned dairy farm in Oregon. After his father's death, his mother married Henry Newkirk who was a loving stepfather to Lester. Les graduated from Hillsboro Union High School in 1947 and Pacific University in Oregon in 1951 with a Bachelor of Sciences in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics.

He joined the United States Navy in 1955 where he served with honor and distinction until retirement. He felt a strong sense of duty which led him to defend our country well. Captain Demmin was recruited by Admiral Hiram Rickover to be part of the Nuclear Submarine force essentially from the time of its inception. Though unhappy with this initially, he enjoyed every minute of service with nuclear submarines. He was recognized with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

Les married Norma Tabit Armstrong Demmin in 1962, spending 52 years in wedded bliss as he never broke his promise to dedicate the rest of his life to her happiness. Together they raised three sons and relished being grandparents later in life.

Aside from his service to the Navy, Les enjoyed antiquing with Norma, playing tennis, being the Dad to several wonderful dogs over the years, all things science, reading, telling captivating stories from his amazing life, and taking annual family vacations to the Outer Banks. Les and Norma loved celebrating Christmas, particularly decorating their trees.

Lester grew up in the Lutheran Church but became a member of First Presbyterian Church with Norma where he taught Sunday School to teens for many years.

Lester Demmin personified integrity. He was gentle, kind, intelligent, funny, honest, interesting, and humble.

Les is now with his beloved Norma. Left to cherish his memory are his sons Dr. William F. Armstrong III of Ann Arbor, Michigan and David W. Demmin of Norfolk, Va., his seven grandchildren; Martha Armstrong of Norfolk, Andrew Armstrong of Hastings on Hudson, NY(Mary), W. Russell Armstrong of Brooklyn (Greta Lee), Christine Armstrong Fuller of Virginia Beach (Jason), Marina Armstrong of Wilmington, NC, Mary Elizabeth Demmin of Norfolk, and Sarah Grace Demmin of Lynchburg, Va, great grandson, Apollo Armstrong of New York, a great granddaughter about to enter the world, daughters in law, Dea Armstrong, Beth Copeland, Suanne Armstrong, and Jennifer Demmin, and a large host of loving extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his son, F. Jeffrey Armstrong and his wife, Norma.

Les's family sincerely thanks Cris Newman and Velda Branham for providing him with outstanding care over the last nearly two years. You are family.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 13th in The First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk. Burial will follow in Forest lawn Cemetery. After the burial the family will receive friends in the family residence. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Lester's name to the SPCA or the American Diabetes Association. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.hdoliver.com

View the online memorial for Lester F. Lester F.