Clayton – Charles Roger Lester, 84, formerly of Baileysville, WV, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, June 19, 2023 at the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley following a long illness.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7
Born Mar. 17, 1939, in Baileysville, he was the son of the late William and Elsie Short Lester.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Inez Sue Lester; his brothers, Luther Lester, Fred Lester, Billy Lester, Pete Lester, and Rodney Lester; his sisters, Cleta Halsey, Mildred Toler, and Macy Kusewicz.
Roger was a graduate of Baileysville High School. After earning a degree from Concord College, he returned to Baileysville High School to teach and coach basketball and football for many years. Roger and his wife Sue, relocated to Clayton, where he continued to teach and coach at Alderson Jr. High and Lewisburg Jr. High. His love of sports kept him busy. He was active in the community where he coached little league teams. He and Sue became affectionately known in the community as “Nanny” and “Pappy.”
Roger is survived by his children, Vickey Blankenship and husband Darren, of Beckley, Jeannine Utterback and husband Jamie, of Alderson, Dale Lester and wife Tracy, of Fayetteville; his four grandchildren, Rebekah Ramboldt and husband Todd, of Ronceverte, Colten Blankenship and wife Danielle, of Lexington, KY, Heath Utterback and Savannah Keffer, of Clayton, and Evan Lester, of Fayetteville; his five great-grandchildren, Slayton Utterback, Perri Ramboldt, Gus Ramboldt, Greer Blankenship, and Caden Blankenship; and his loving sister, Jean Rose and husband Ronald, of Tamarac, FL; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 24, at 12 noon, at the Lester Farm Cemetery in Clayton, with Pastor Hannibal Blankenship officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Darren Blankenship, Jamie Utterback, Colten Blankenship, Heath Utterback, Todd Lester, Todd Ramboldt, Evan Lester, and Slayton Utterback.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the Lester family at www.lobbanfh.com
