Lester Howard Smith

Lester Howard Smith, 92, of Springfield died at 8:37 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Sunrise Manor in Virden, IL. He was born January 7, 1919 in Casey, IL to Everett and Zona Smith. He married Marjorie Helen Hires on April 11, 1939 and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters Carol Grigsby of Virden, IL, Linda (Michael) Wolski of Valrico, FL; one son Kenneth Dean (Diana) Smith of Springfield; 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; one sister Loretta Goble of Martinsville, IL; three brothers Robert Smith of Urbana, IL, Clifford Smith of Casey, IL, George Smith of Lima, OH and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Hugh and Roy and two sisters Inez Slater and Elenor Smith.

Lester was a member of Bissell United Methodist Church, where he was a lay speaker and a resident of Springfield for most of his life. He was formerly self employed as a farmer, a mechanic for Grieme Bros. Implements Co. and retired from Di Giovanna Farms.

Visitation: 11 a.m. – 1p.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Staab Funeral Home.
Funeral Service: 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Staab Funeral Home. Rev. Dan Smith officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bissell United Methodist Church.