Lester was raised on a small farm in Southern Illinois, quitting high school during his freshman year to help his dad with the family farm. He married Violet in 1948. For their first few years together, they rented a farm and raised and sold livestock and dairy products. Deciding farming was a tough living, Les joined the Air Force in 1951 and worked on the flight line as an aircraft mechanic specializing in hydraulic maintenance and repair.  He was stationed at several bases across the country and traveled overseas spending time in Africa and Turkey.

In January 1956, Les was honorably discharged as a SSgt from the Air Force while stationed at Pinecastle AFB, Florida.  He quickly found a job working for Caterpillar Tractor Company and moved his wife, infant son Mike, and a small trailer from Florida to Decatur, Illinois in the middle of winter.  After promises by Caterpillar were not kept, Les began his long and respected civil service career. He obtained a job in the spring of 1956 as an aircraft mechanic on the flight line at Scott Air Force Base and moved his family and small trailer to O'Fallon, Illinois.  In 1960, Les started his first "desk job" working for the US Army in St. Louis, Missouri.  He continued to work for the US Army, retiring at the grade of GS-14 as a Division Chief.  This was quite an accomplishment for someone who didn't go to high school.

In the summer of 1984, he began his favorite job: retirement. He enjoyed the rest of his life to the fullest. The first thing he did was take his son and family on a road trip, visiting Busch Gardens and Sea World in Florida. Les loved to camp, and for several years, he spent more time in his RV camper than the house.  He loved taking grandchildren, Nicci and Shanna, with him every chance he could, teaching them the joys of camping, water skiing, boating, and fishing.  Les also loved to tinker; he could and would fix anything with a spark plug, even if it wasn't worth fixing.  He kept everyone's "stuff" operational and running smoothly.

After the grandchildren were grown, Les and Vi enjoyed going to Florida as "Snowbirds."  They went annually until this past winter.

Les grew up in the Baptist Church. He was a religious man - not with his words so much, but with his actions.  He attended church regularly as his health allowed and was eager to lend a hand as needed. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.  Les always had time to help his family and friends with any situation. He loved watching his great-grandchildren play. Carter, Koi, Sabrina, and Kegan were sure to be greeted with a big smile when they came to visit.

Les' life was one well-lived. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.