Thomas Howard Lester Sr.

On Friday, December 28, 2018, Thomas Howard Lester, Sr., age 82 of Culpeper, VA, peacefully passed away at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA. His loving family was by his side. Howard was born on August 22, 1936 in Halifax, VA to John Thomas Lester, Jr. and Helen Howard Lester. On March 1, 1958, he married Betty Lea Norris. They raised three children, all surviving him. He was a part of the Culpeper community for almost 60 years. Howard had a great work ethic since age 16 and was most recently employed by Cannon Properties, a part-time job he enjoyed with people he adored. He had a passion for the outdoors with a love for both golfing and hunting. He was a member of the Ellis Mine Hunt Club and Culpeper Country Club. He enjoyed sports and was an avid Redskin fan. Howard will be well-remembered for his quick wit, great storytelling ability, ease to make friends with anyone he met, and tremendous love for his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife Betty Lea; his children, Thomas Howard Lester, Jr. (Bonnie), Vicki Lester Mercadante (Jim), and Valeri Lester Meza (Roy); his grandchildren, Andrew Lester, Alyssa Mercadante, and Kelsey Mercadante Grachan (Tyler); and a sister, Martha Lester. Howard was preceded in death by his parents. To celebrate Thomas Howard Lester’s life, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Culpeper Baptist Church, 318 S. West St., Culpeper, VA 22701. Family will receive guests at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, a reception will be held in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers and in Howard’s memory, please consider donating to the Humane Society of Culpeper, P.O. Box 1032, Culpeper, VA 22701. Fond memories and condolences may be offered by visiting clore-english.com. The Lester family has entrusted Clore-English Funeral Home with these arrangements.