Larry Lester

Larry J. Lester, 67, of Bucyrus died late Saturday night, July 5, 2014 at Bucyrus Community Hospital surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born December 8, 1946 in Pike County, Kentucky to the late Ira Lester and Gladys (Coleman) Lester who survives in Bucyrus. Growing up, Larry was inquisitive about the way things worked. He had a gift for fixing everything from toys to bikes and eventually, cars. The Lester family moved to Bucyrus in 1959 and Larry graduated from Col. Crawford High School in 1964. After graduating, Larry worked in various factories including Timken while repairing cars on the side. He served in the Ohio National Guard from 1966-1972. He always wanted to be self-employed and was able to do so, owning and operating Lester’s Auto Sales and Service near his home. Larry married the former Sheila Dible on June 23, 1984 and loved the family he was able to help her raise.

Larry will be remembered as a family man who adored his granddaughters and spoiled his dogs. He was meticulous about his work, whether caring for his home and yard or working on cars and he was always willing to help others with projects as well. When he was younger, Larry enjoyed drag racing at area tracks. Street rods later gave way to cruising in his 55 Chevy and touring Route 66 with Sheila in his 55 Wagon. Larry was a member of the Bucyrus Moose Lodge #669, AmVets Post 27 and The Eliminators Car Club. His sound advice will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his mother, Larry is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sheila Lester and stepsons, Ryan (Jolene) Armstrong and Justin Leonhardt, both of Bucyrus. Papaw will be missed by his three granddaughters, Taylor Leonhardt, Adia Armstrong and Bayleigh Armstrong. He is also survived by two sisters, Carol Trout and Loretta Lester, both of Bucyrus, and their families.

Memorial Services will be held at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus on Thursday, July 10 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Matt Wilson officiating. Inurnment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call two hours prior to the service, from 11:30-1:30.

Donations may be given to the Humane Society Serving Crawford County or a charity of the donor’s choice through Wise Funeral Service. Memories can be shared in a Memorial Guestbook entry below.



Visitation:

Thursday, July 10, 2014 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Thursday, July 10, 2014 1:30 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery, 835 Kaler Ave., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820