Charlene and Family,
God reminds us that a better place is reserved for us when
this life as we know it here on earth is over.  The suffering 
and pain are no more.  Again we are being reminded how this
cancerous scourge for which many find no lasting cure tends to
shorten our tenure here on earth.  At the same time we are being 
delivered away from whatever miseries currently inflict our bodies
and we are enroute to that heavenly home God has promised.
I want to believe that losing Ernest as a long-time friend is not 
so bad especially when we all understand he has been relieved from 
the agony associated with his illness for which he tried his very
best to tolerate.  In the end his body armor began to break down and,
peace came when God decided to deliver him to a better place which 
is awaiting him on the other side.  Finally, may he now rest in peace.

I remember Ernest not as a young boy but, as a young soldier that 
went off to a nasty war in Korea.  Like so many of his fellow comrade 
soldiers they were not prepared for the terrible conditions they were 
subjected to and had to tolerate to survive.  As a very young boy, 
I recall much angst when letters from Korea stopped and Ernest 
disappeared only to show up after weeks of worrying by his parents
in a hospital in Japan. He had become a war casualty suffering from 
the severe winter conditions, improperly clothed and long hours performing 
his job and the only place to call home was wherever his military assigned task 
required him to be at that moment. Ernest voiced concern about his 
legs and feet from the terrible winter exposures and marathon cramped 
working conditions which finally put him in the hospital in Japan 
threatened with losing both legs.
Ernest was a hard worker, and always tried to be a good Samaritan
for as long as I knew him. I imagine if he had collected all of 
his outstanding compensation for the many jobs he performed on the 
promise of "I'll pay you later", he would of been a wealthy man.  I 
recall his initial employment in Southwest Virginia after Korea entailed 
"The Band Box", and then came the long career with Foster in Fairfax
County which started with Ernest and Charlene living in the "Box" condo 
somewhere near Annandale in which I shared a corner for a period of time.
In the next fifty plus years I kept up with Ernest and did not really 
visit much until I was assigned to Army posts around Washington D.C.
beginning in 1972.  I enjoyed being in the company of Ernest and 
listening to his stories (when he would break down and talk) about his
past.  I always enjoyed Charlene's way of making food "taste good".
The last time I visited Ernest was in the mid 1990's. He showed me 
his nice tomato patch behind their home. Recent years has been phone
calls and I always enjoyed those.  I recall how much I felt like
talking to Ernest was really almost like talking to his Father.  He
had nothing bad to say about anyone and his enemy list was a blank page.
"Until we meet later my friend, may you rest in peace."

Dear Charlene and family, I just learned of the loss of Ernest.  Even though we haven't been in contact for many, many years, I am saddened to learn this.  I remember Ernest and your family, and I pray that you will be comforted by the wonderful memories and that he is in heaven with our Lord!

mrs. lester and family, i am sorry for your loss. i know that mr. lester is in heaven, and he is healed.

Charlene and Family.  I am Mary (Chester's sister).  I only met you and Ernest one time but loved you and felt like I had known you forever.  I am sorry for your loss and pray that God's love will fill the vacant spot in your heart.  May your heart be filled with good memories of Ernest.  Time will help heal the hurt.  Love you

To Charlene and her family, Ernest was not just a friend of ours .. He was family to us.. anytime we need him .. He was there for Mom and I...He is a man of his word... love you Ernest.. you are surely be missed..

My dear sweet brother-in-law I will miss that sweet smile of yours.We had many good laughs together like when you told me your birthday was 4-24-34 & I told you that sounds like my measurements(haha).Thank you for always taking care of my sister.Last time I saw you ,you said you would be dancing,I know that's true because you are in heaven with my wonderful brother & sister (Michael & D.D.) R.I.P.Ernest I miss & love you !!!!!!

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME.

Dakota and family, I am so sorry for your loss.  Please accept my sympathy.
Sincerely,   Anne Lee

Wanda i am sorry for your loss my thoughts are with you and your family,i never got the honor to meet him but he is a part of you and you are a great person... so as you say "he is the greatest man".

Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. You are in my prayers Cindy along with your family

Lester and my late husband were great friends,Ray worked at Lesters' shop,what great memories of that shop,alot of work was done,but alot of bs too,those 2 sure could talk!!! My daughter Rae Lynn and Wanda were good friends too,and still remain friends. So sorry for your loss,such good memories!!! Bet Ray and Lester are talking up a storm somewhere!!!

?"Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death."- Author Unknown

Wanda....The love you have, the memories you keep, will be the legacy of your father that lives on ...in you....it cannot be separated.....he will truly never leave this Earth so long as your love for him lives on ?  

My heart goes out to you Wanda and to your family.  I know how much you loved your daddy...and how much he  adored you!  May those memories of your times together comfort you and bring you peace as you in the days to come.

I will always miss my Uncle Ernest. I loved walking in the house and seeing his smile. It helps knowing you are up in heaven with my mom and Michael. I know you three are having a good time. Tell them both I love them and I love you too. Love Lisa

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Thoughts and prayer go out to my friend Wanda and all in the Lester family. He was truly a great man and great American. I always go by his old shop and think of the many chain saws he worked on for my family. You will never be forgotten.

Wanda sorry to hear about your dad.He taught me alot of things when i was younger.
Tadpole

"Lester" was a good friend to my dad back when Wanda and I were kids. He was a great man and will be missed by many. My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of loss.

OBITUARY

Ernest W. Lester

April 24, 1934 – February 17, 2011

Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service

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