Published: September 08, 2008 02:14 am            

Bobby Jeff Lester Sr.

Bobby “Bob” Jeff Lester Sr. entered into eternal life on Friday, Sept. 5 at the age of 79. He was born in Olney, Texas, on Feb. 28, 1929, to Carl and Lois Lester.

Bob is survived by wife, Lillia; son, B. Jeff Lester Jr. and his wife, Diane, and their sons Cole and Collin, son G. Scott Lester, his wife, Laurie, and their children, Ryan, Blake and Meredith; brother Kenneth Lester and his wife Mildred; sisters-in-law, Vera Lester and Ann Lester, and numerous nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents and brothers, Billy Carl and Jerry Lester.

Bob attended Patti Welder High School in Victoria and enlisted in the U.S. Navy upon graduation. While attending college, Bob met his wife, Lillian Olivia Miori. They married on Dec. 8, 1950, in Victoria where both sons, Jeff and Scott, were born. Bob attended the University of Houston on an athletic scholarship. He graduated in 1952 earning a BS degree in economics.

Bob worked for National Supply Co. during and after his college years. He later joined Collins Construction in Port Lavaca. Later he accepted a job with Ingram Corp., relocating his wife and two sons to New Orleans.

Ingram built an oil refinery in Garyville, La., then sold it to Marathon Oil Co. where Bob completed his career, retiring in 1992.

During his career, he served as manager of purchasing and administration, served on various industry committees, and was a key company interface with local and state governmental officials. Bob served as chairman of the Oil and Gas Industry Committee responsible for designing and constructing the Petroleum Industries Pavilion at the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition held in New Orleans.

The multi-story exhibit was one of the more popular attractions featuring a real drilling derrick mounted on a replica of an offshore platform standing in an indoor saltwater, stocked aquarium, which at the time was among the largest in the South.

Bob will be remembered by many for the big grin he often wore and the short, spontaneous tap dance he would perform around his loved ones to express his joy and happiness and to make them laugh. Bob loved spending time with his sons and grandchildren and playing bridge, golfing, and fishing.

He and Lillian enjoyed various bridge clubs, the Huntsville Ballroom Dance Club, and he donated much of his time volunteering to serve his community and neighborhood. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Huntsville where he served as a Communion steward, greeter and usher and supported Lillian in various church service roles.

His nephews will serve as pallbearers, and honorary pallbearers will include the Upper Room Sunday School Class and Ben Wilson, Charles Redkey, Gary Fellers, Bobby Van Zant, Bruce Martin, Joe Bates, Dick Emrick, Buddy Allen, Orion Stevens, Charles Easterwood and Wes Parker.

Visitation hours will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at First United Methodist Church of Huntsville, immediately followed by a service celebrating his life and a reception.

A separate grave-side service will be conducted Wednesday, Sept. 10, in Victoria, Texas, at Memory Gardens Cemetery at 8919 U.S. Highway 87 North.

Memorial gifts may be sent to First United Methodist Church of Huntsville-Choir Scholarship Fund, the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.

All services are under the direction of the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home.  

Memorial condolences may be made online at www.shmfh.com.

        

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