Lester E. Smith, age 81, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 8, 2013 at his home.
Lester was born in Marion on February 15, 1932, to Wallace E. and Edrie D. (Hoch) Smith.
He graduated from Harding High School in the class of 1950. Two years later, Lester was united in marriage to his best friend and soul mate Barbara Ann Dickerson on December 14, 1952, in Marion at the First Presbyterian Church. They shared 60 years of marriage together.
Lester proudly served his county in the Army. After his time in the service, Lester’s father-in-law talked him into working a chip truck which eventually turned into Lester and Barb taking over Dickerson Foods, they owned and operated the business until their retirement.
Lester and Barb loved to travel and had many fond memories of their times in Florida. They also enjoyed cruising around in their ’57 T-Bird Convertible, fishing and Lester loved to watch the NASCAR races.
He was very involved in his community. He was a member of the Aladdin Shrine Temple of Columbus, the Scottish Rite, Masonic Lodge #70 F&AM, Marion Shrine Club Roadsters and the River Valley Lions Club.
He is survived by his children: Jerri (Jim) Seckel-Klaus, Linda (the late Douglas) Shank, Julie (Donald) Buck-McKee and Kent (Lynda) Smith; Grandchildren: Tracy (Doug) Wade, Betsy (Aaron) Ballinger, Lauren (Nathan) Smith, Arianne Shank, Austin Warnament, Clayton Smith, Emily Shank and Ben Smith; and great grandchildren: Samantha and Andrew Wade, Knox Smith and Asher Ballinger.
Lester is preceded in death by his beloved wife Barb, his parents and his siblings: Richard E. Smith and Celesta Shore.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church, 143 South Prospect, Marion, from 10AM to 12Noon; Funeral services will be at the church at 1PM with Rev. Rob Howard officiating. Burial will be in the Marion Cemetery and the Marion County Veterans Council will render military honors.
If so desired, donations may be made to the Cincinnati Shriners Burns Hospital, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3095.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Lester’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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