Lester was born October 14, 1937 in Morrison, IL, the son of Lloyd and Winnifred (Balk) Smith. He attended various country schools and graduated from Morrison High School in 1955. He was employed at Fulton Corp. for 9 ½ years, Patent Novelty for 10 years, and GE in Morrison for 33 ½ years. Lester married Barbara Brackemeyer in 1957 and later married Lila Dunning on September 14, 2018. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, spending time with his family and friends, and loved listening to the music of Johnny Cash, Eddie Arnold, Charlie Pride, and Dolly Parton.
He is survived by his wife, Lila Smith; two daughters, Kathy (Carl) Borkgren and Rhonda (Randy) Willis; one sister, Alberta (John) Dykhuizen; two brothers, Harold (Helen) Smith and William Smith; two step-children, William Joseph Dunning and Teresa Edwards; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; three step grandchildren, and one step great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one step-son, Robert Joseph Dunning.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
