Lester E. Hunter, Veteran of WWII, was born August 28, 1925 in Heflin, Louisiana to Leslie E. Hunter, Sr. and Minnie Hausey Hunter. He was the 2nd born of the identical twin boys born that day. He only weighed 7 lbs and they were afraid he wouldn’t make it, but his Aunt Willie fed him tea cakes to gain weight and catch up to his twin. :) Having never traveled more than a few miles from home, he and twin brother joined the US Navy in 1943 and were stationed in San Francisco, California. In a little church in nearby Oakland, he met the love of his life, a cute Oklahoma girl named Betty Jean Johnson! They wed on August 14, 1945 and celebrated their 73rd anniversary last year. When Lester was discharged from the Navy, after brief stays in Louisiana and Oklahoma, they returned to California and entered Patton Bible college. Their spiritual growth was immense as they traveled by bus and airplane to minister and sing God’s Word for the college. In 1948, they moved back to Oklahoma City, Betty’s hometown. Their only child, Linea Janet was born soon after. Lester worked and went to night school and completed his Bachelors degree from OCU, Masters degree from OU, then went on to complete Doctorate of Divinity. He taught at OCU for several years then in 1961 he accepted a position at the new OSU-OKC. As Director of Admissions, he was a big part of the growth of the school from a single remodeled building on 10th & Kentucky to the large university campus at 10th & Portland in 1970. He took an early retirement in 1985.
Anyone who knew him well, can remember his love of travel, automobiles and RVs. He and Betty traveled thousands of miles, sometimes with friends and family, all over the United States. When granddaughter Brittanie came along and was old enough to join them, many of their camping trips revolved around her and her interests. Their many trips to Branson are memories she will cherish forever. As macular degeneration made it more and more difficult to travel, they settled into a very simple lifestyle at the home son- in- law, Bob Dudley built for them on the street he named after them in Edmond, Oklahoma. Their life revolved around family, especially great granddaughters, Sabrina Linea and Grace Anne.
Thru the years, Lester and Betty faithfully attended church. He taught Sunday school and/or served on church boards at Faith Tabernacle, Trinity, Lakeside and Spring Creek, all great Assembly of God churches. God used him to minister to countless people in all of his circles of influence. He always had a word of wise counsel and encouragement. As time went on and they were unable to get to physical church, they spent Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening watching recorded or DVD favorite ministries. Every morning devotion time was spent together reading God’s Word and praying.
Lester is preceded in death by his parents, oldest brother, Johnny and twin brother, Leslie. He is survived by his loving wife of 73 1/2 years, Betty Jean of the home, daughter Linea Dudley (Bob) of Cashion, OK; granddaughter Brittanie Ebrite (Steve) of Oklahoma City with Greats Sabrina Linea and Grace Anne.
Also, beloved grandchildren Matthew Dudley (Tina) -thank you for your many visits with Kam, Kerri and Garrett! Laura Ousley (Danny) and Greats Kohl, Kerrigan, Kamran, Garrett, Emily & Tommy, Andrew (who made our funeral arrangements-thank you for your care and compassion), Michael & Kylie. Also, younger Brother Bill Hunter (Linda) of Chandler, Texas. And Nieces & nephews, Lori & Randy, Leslie & Brent, Teresa & Francois, Collin & Margaret, David & Susan, Bridgett & Jana, Ronda & Elton, Kevin & Pam.
Special thanks to special friends Ann & Charles Phillips, Pastor Ron McCaslin, Pastor Kenneth McGee, Pastor Matt Crow, Pastor Bob Walker and a host of other friends for their time love and prayers. Services will be Saturday 2/16 at Spring Creek Assembly of God church in Edmond at 2pm. Visitation will be Friday evening from 4-7pm at Hahn- Cook/ Street & Draper on 63rd and Broadway Ext. Burial will be at Memorial Gardens on Memorial & Kelly in Edmond OK.
Lester has certainly heard the words of our Lord and Savior, “Well done, My good and faithful servant, come and enter the joys of the Lord”. His desire was we all make certain plans to join him when it’s our time to go!
