Kenneth Gary Lester

Kenneth Gary Lester, 76 of Landville, WV departed this life Thursday, July 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home.  Born July 10, 1949, at Leatherwood, WV the son of the late Delbert and Opal (Walls) Lester.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife: Wanda Lee Lester; son: Gary Lee Lester; brother: Barry Lester, half-brother: Dale Lester; sisters: Sharon Lester, Sheila Lester, and Rita Lester; brothers-in-law: Billy Blankenship and Norman Lester; father-in-law: Leander Hatfield; mother-in-law: Janice Hatfield.

He was affectionately known as “Ken, Kenny, and Big Man” to everyone.  He was a quiet guy most of the time but had had a heart of gold.  He could fix anything; he had worked as an electrician in the coal mines for Black Bear Mining and Newtown Energy.  Ken had a passion for deer hunting, riding his four-wheeler, and he loved to take scenic walks and enjoyed visiting with family.  He was a devout Christian and prior to his illness he would attend Christian Freewill Baptist Church and 20 Whitman Church.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter: Robin Lester; son: Joey (Angel) Lester, all of Landville, WV; grandson: Justin Matthew Lester; granddaughter: Alyssa Brooke Lester, both whom he adored; half-brother: Delbert Lester; sister: Brenda Blankenship of Hurley, VA; half-sisters: Deborah (Gary) Black of Columbus, OH., Darlene Dean of Dunlap, TN., Denise Markin of Indianapolis, IN., and Diana (John) Wheeler of Huntington, WV; special sisters-in-law: Vickie and Benny Grimmett of Landville, Lisa and Timothy Browning of Whitman, Tonya Hatfield of Madison; special brother-in-law: Greg and Lorrie Hatfield of North Carolina.  Ken leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends.

The Lester family would like to give special thanks to the following people for the exceptional care they provided to Ken during his illness: Teresa Harvey, caregiver, Dr. Waris, Dr. Chris Kelly, Dignity Hospice, Logan Regional Hospital, The Infusion Therapy Department, and the Taussig Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic.

Friends may gather with the family Tuesday, July 15, 2025, after 6:00pm at the Christian Freewill Baptist Church, Christian, WV.  Funeral services will commence there at the church on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 2:00pm with Rev. Mike Johnson and Pastor Joaquine Ooten officiating.  Burial will follow in the Browning-Dye Cemetery at Verner, WV.

Ken will be carried to his resting place by pallbearers: Greg Hatfield, Benny Grimmett, Tim and Tyler Browning, Jacob Maynard, Scott and Zachary McClanahan.  Honorary pallbearers will be Thurman “Conrad” Cline, Stanley Justice, Dennis Walls and Colin Cline.

2 Timothy Ch 4 V-7 & 8

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

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