Kenneth Alfred Lessard

Ken, or Fred as he was known in his childhood, was born on December 11, 1936, in Salem, Massachusetts, the son of Dorothy Elizabeth and Alfred Joseph Lessard and stepson of John Walsh. He joined the Navy in 1954 and enjoyed a long and decorated career as a storekeeper and later retired in 1983 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in the Navy Supply Corps.

After retirement, Ken returned to Athens, GA, and graduated from UGA’s Terry College of Business. He became active in the Athens community as a member of the Clarke County Board of Equalization and assistant poll manager for the Clarke County Board of Elections. As a vital member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, Ken served for the last several years as church treasurer.

Ken is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lanie Simmons Lessard; brother Jack Walsh, Plymouth, MA; daughter Theresa Rodreick Guy, Ladson, SC; son Kenneth Michael Lessard, Arnoldsville, GA; son Adam Royce Lessard and wife Elisa, Vienna, VA; six granddaughters: Shanna Nimmons and husband Derek, N. Charleston, SC; Katherine Rodreick, Summerville, SC; Sarah Nicole Rodreick, Goose Creek, SC; Madison and Victoria Guy, Ladson, SC; and Madelyn Lessard, Vienna, VA; two great-grandchildren: Riley Nimmons and Marissa Rodreick.

Memorial celebration will be held on Friday, November 16, 2 PM, Chapelwood UMC, 100 Janice Drive, Athens, GA 30606, followed by a life celebration in the Fellowship Hall. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Chapelwood’s Building Fund.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.