Larry Guy Lester's Obituary
Larry Guy Lester passed away in the early morning hours on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 in Dallas, TX at the age of 80. He bravely survived three years after suffering multiple falls and four brain surgeries.
Born in Oklahoma City, OK to Melva and A.F. (Frank) Lester in 1941, Larry and his parents moved to Dallas, TX the very next year. After graduating Highland Park High School, he honorably served four years playing trombone in the Navy band touring Japan; Korea; Hong Kong; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco, San Diego and Long Beach, CA; and served two additional years in the active reserves while attending Southern Methodist University. Larry graduated SMU with a B.A. degree in Accounting and worked as a C.P.A. for 35 years.
As a Delta Sigma Phi pledge at SMU, he was sent to sorority houses to interview pledges, where he met the love of his life, Dianne Jennings, who was the Delta Zeta president. They had an instant connection, which was not surprising considering their parents’ paths had crossed several times as they were musicians in the local music scene. Their relationship was a classic love story and their romantic journey continued through 54 years of marriage, which they celebrated a month before Larry’s passing.
Larry was a proud father of two daughters, Lara and Lynda, and son Guy, and grandfather of three granddaughters, Gabby, Audrey and Ruby. Always very active in his children’s lives, one of his favorite activities was coaching their various sports teams. He was well-known for his unique sense of humor, which kept everyone on their toes. He enjoyed adventurous family road trips, and later, cruises with Dianne and vacations visiting daughter Lynda’s family in New Zealand. One of his most memorable travels was a cruise from Boston to Bermuda with Dianne and all of their kids and grandkids, celebrating Larry and Dianne’s milestone 50th wedding anniversary.
Family was always a top priority for Larry. He was the glue that connected his brothers to his three aunts and seven cousins living in California, who always held a special place in his heart. Larry’s love of family connection inspired him to pursue genealogy research, which led to many surprises.
Aside from family, Larry’s other love was the church. He was a devoted Christian all of his life, and he enjoyed giving back to the church by singing in the choir, serving as Deacon, Elder, various church offices, and founding a Sunday School class with his peers, T.H.A.T. Class (To Him All Things) at Highlands Christian Church. He was most well-known in the church for writing and directing Christmas plays and musicals. These were always a highlight for Highlands Christian Church, and later Northway Christian Church, where Larry and family continued their Christian journey.
Larry will be sincerely missed and his memory will live on through his best friend and wife Dianne J. Lester of Dallas, TX; his daughter Lara L. Iezzi and husband Greg Iezzi of Dallas, TX; daughter Lynda Lester and husband Jerry Kung of Wellington, New Zealand; son Guy Lester of Arlington, TX; granddaughters Gabby Iezzi, Audrey Kung and Ruby Kung. Brother Ron Lester and husband Marty Honan; Sister-in-law Virginia Clark; Niece Amber and husband Erik Counts; Nephew Brian Lester and wife Ally Lester; Niece Sarah Shimanek and husband Thomas Shimanek. Also survived by great-niece Tabytha Counts; great-nephew Ian Counts and wife Bekkah; great-nieces Maya, Bonnie and Julia Lester; great-niece Anna Shimanek and great-nephew Benjamin Shimanek; and great-great-nephew Benjamin Counts. Predeceased by his parents Melva and A.F. Lester; and youngest brother Chris Lester.
Larry’s Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Wildwood Chapel, Restland Park. Visitation at 9am, Service at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Larry’s name to the North Texas Food Bank. Give Now - North Texas Food Bank (ntfb.org):
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/larry-lester
To Join This Service Please Click The Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukGe2hyTRwc
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