John Francis Lester Jr.

John Francis Lester Jr., went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 8, 2019, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, at the age of 84. He was born February 20, 1935, to John Francis Lester Sr., and Sue Emma Keys Lester of Lewisville, Arkansas. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol Bresler Lester, six children, Paige Lester Rystrom, John F. Lester III, David Lester (Cindy), Ben Lester (Cole), Pat Lester, and Lee Lester and one brother, James W. Lester (Sharon). He had 13 grandchildren, Emma Rystrom, Ellery Rystrom Poe (Matt), Bess Rystrom Gooch (Simon), Anne Thomas Rystrom, Emily Lester Caughron (Brendon), Ty Lester, Patrick Lester, Jack Lester, Virginia Lester, John Philip Lester and Eleanor Lester. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steven Keys Lester. John graduated from Lewisville High School and attended the University of Arkansas where he pledged Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After attending college he joined the United States Navy and served aboard the Valley Forge aircraft carrier from 1956 until 1958. He then returned to Lewisville, Arkansas, to join his father in business at Lester Oil Company and the family farm. Later he moved to Hope, Arkansas, to expand Lester Oil Company and begin another farming operation. He was an active member of the Arkansas Oil Marketers Association and served on its board of directors. During his association with Texaco, he received many awards through his accomplishments in wholesaling and convenience store businesses. He was a founding member of Moccasin Bayou and Red River Wings Hunting Clubs. He remained an avid Razorback fan and loved spending time at the family cabin in Alpine, Colorado. But his favorite pastime was storytelling with friends and family around the fire-pit at Moccasin Bayou and planning the next big project. He will be greatly missed. The family invites friends and relatives to share "John Lester stories" with them Sunday, May 12th from 3-5 p.m. at the Lester Cabin at Moccasin Bayou. John will be buried in the Family Cemetery at Mars Hill on Monday, May 13th at 1:00PM. A Memorial Service, officiated by Pastor Charlie Zumwalt, will be held at First Baptist Church of Lewisville at 2 p.m. The family will continue reminiscing with friends and relatives in the Fellowship Hall of the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Lewisville, 222 E. 4th St., Lewisville, Arkansas 71845. To leave an online condolence please visit www.nelsonberna.com.