Obituary of John Lester

John H. "Jack" Lester John H. "Jack" Lester, age 87, of Hastings Rd., Millcreek Twp., died Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Erie Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, following an extended illness. Jack was born on April 16, 1923 in Erie, PA, the son of the late, George and Gladys Hinds Lester. He attended Academy High School and enlisted in the US Navy, where he attained the rank of Fire Control Man 1st Class. While in the service, he met and fell in love with his late wife, Anna Mae Davidson, also a US Navy service person serving in the transportation unit in Washington, DC. They married on October 13, 1944 in Washington, DC; sadly Anna died on April 2, 2008. Jack and Anna Mae were honored by local veterans by having their pictures engraved on the WWII Memorial which rests on upper State St. by the Veteran's Memorial Stadium in Erie. Jack had been employed by Franks Cleaners for several years and then established Custom Kitchens as an owner, retiring in 1988. He was a door greeter at Wal-Mart after retirement. Jack was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church, Masonic Perry Keystone Lodge #392, F. & A.M., the Scottish Rite Consistory, Valley of Erie, and Zem Zem Shrine Temple. Jack was very active in the Shrine as a member of the Directors Staff and assisted at the Shriner's Hospital as a member of the Wheel Chair repair gang. He participated in all the Shrine Club's parades. He loved to tinker with things and enjoyed working around his home and yard with his prized tractor. He was an accomplished woodworker. Survivors include his son, Ronald Lester and his wife, Lorrie, of Erie, his four daughters: Donna Glowacki and her husband, Robert, of Omaha, NE, Bonnie Hampy and her fiancé, Ed Truchanwicz, of Millcreek, Betty Bowers and her husband, David, and Cindy Rossman, all of Erie. Eleven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews also survive. Jack was fortunate to have his companion and friend, Alice Hannold, in his life. Besides his wife, Anna, he was preceded in death by his great grandson, Ashton Wells, and by his sister, Ivy Sullivan. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited there on Wednesday to attend the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Robert Lewis of Lakewood United Methodist Church officiating. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery. The family would like to note a special thank you to Hospice and Unit 5 at the VA Hospital. Memorial contributions may be made to the Erie Shriner's Hospital, ATTN: Wheel Chair Repair Program, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505. Enhance your memorial with a slideshow and video