Rev. Joseph "Joe" Leonard Lester

Rev. Joseph “Joe” Leonard Lester, 87 of Justice, WV departed this life Monday, May 11, 2026, from his residence.  Born March 28, 1939, at Spice Creek, Verner, WV, he was the son of the late Arthur and Zetta (Walls) Lester.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children: Marsha Lester; son: Rick Lester; sisters: Olena McNew, Roxie Trent; brothers: Clyde and Mack Lester; son-in-law: Greg Bailey; brothers-in-law: William and Bobby Sammons; several nieces and nephews.

Joe was a member of the Tamcliffe Tabernacle Church at Tamcliffe, WV, where he enjoyed being with his church family and preaching God’s word.  He had managed several auto parts stores in Ohio; he also worked several years in the coal industry.  Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Those left to love and cherish his memory are his wife: Marilyn Lisa (Sammons) Lester of Justice, WV; his daughter: Rosemary Bailey of Hurricane, WV; sons: Joseph Lester (Gen Cline) of Ikes Fork, WV, David (Katrina) Lester of Eleanor, WV; step-sons: Jason (Crystal) Shafer and Garrett (Gail) VanNatter; grandchildren: Bobbie Bailey of Springdale, Ohio, Kaitlin (Adam) Childers of Eleanor, WV, Kyle, Karsyn, and Hannah Lester, all of Pounding Mill, VA; step-grandchildren: James, Breanna, Brandi, Destiny, Amber, Jasmin, Joshua, and Kristen VanNatter, and Skye Shafer; great grandchildren: Harper, Ryan, Audrey, Avery, and Adalee; sisters: Winnie Dingess and Wanda Noe, both of Gilbert, WV, Dimple Hatfield of Lexington, KY, Deloris Tanski of Brecksville, Ohio; daughters-in-law; Twila Lester, Violet Sammons and D.D. Sammons; sister-in-law: Shelby (John) Leoning and their son Jimmy; brother-in-law: Jackie Sammons.  He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and other dear relatives and friends.

Friends may gather with the family on Thursday, May 14, 2026, after 6:00 p.m. at the Sprattsville Freewill Baptist Church, Sprattsville, WV with special service at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Clyde Endicott officiating.  Funeral services will commence there at the church on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Gary Browning officiating.  Burial will follow in the Wilson Cemetery at Justice, WV.

Joe will be carried to his resting place by his family and friends.

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”

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