Robert Eugene Lester

Robert Eugene Lester, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, life-long resident of Paulding County GA, passed away on March 24 at his home in Dallas. He was 91. Robert was born in Norfolk, Virginia, February 18, 1935. His father, Inus Lester, a career navy man, was soon restationed to San Diego, California, where Robert’s sister, Virginia, was born. Not long after that, his mother, Irene brought the children back to Paulding County Georgia where both his mother’s and his father’s families were. Inus was away in the war and Irene established the family’s home in Hiram, GA.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Inus Eugene Lester, mother, Irene Paris Lester, and daughter, Leanne Lester Smith (husband, Scot). He is survived by his wife of almost fifty years, Denise Sanders Lester; son, David Eugene Lester (wife, Christie) Taylorsville, GA; sister, Virginia Carroll (husband, Ed) Dallas, GA; three grandchildren, Amanda Miller (husband, Michael) , Villa Rica GA; Kohl Lester, Newcastle, Oklahoma, (wife, Claire); and Zachary Smith, Rockmart, GA along with two great-grandchildren, Kaytlynn Bates and Wyatt Wallace, Villa Rica, GA , many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Robert (Bob to many) worked at Beck and Gregg Hardware, Lockheed-Martin, and Eastern Airlines. He very much enjoyed traveling, often with his sister, Virginia, and her husband, Ed. He and his wife, Denise, visited every state in the union at least once, along with many European countries. He loved museums, concerts, woodworking, and gardening. Most of all, he enjoyed fishing the small trout streams of North GA. He taught many young people to fish, garden, and build things. He could fix or build almost anything, and his tomatoes are legendary among family and friends. His attention to detail and his infinite patience allowed him to build beautiful clocks, furniture, and musical instruments. His favorites were dulcimers. He has shared his dulcimers with countless friends and relatives through the years. Robert Lester was truly a man of many talents and was loved by many.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers and the many family members and friends who have loved and supported them throughout their long journey. They would also like to thank the nurses, the social worker, and others associated with Wellstar Hospice who have offered support and guidance over the past year. Anyone wishing to donate are encouraged to give to the Parkinson’s Foundation.