Lester Miller Jr.

Lester Miller Jr.

Lester Paul Miller Jr., 82, passed away Friday, June 12, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

Lester was born July 30, 1926, in Benton, Mo. He grew up in Benton and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Waldschmidt, in 1947. He served in the Air Force during World War II. Lester and Mary lived in Benton, where he was a member of the Benton Chamber of Commerce and the United Methodist Church. He and Mary moved to Cape Girardeau in 2003 and became members of Grace United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge No. 639 and was a PEO BIL.

Lester spent 45 years working in the lumber business as owner and manager of Waldschmidt Lumber Co. in Wickliffe, Ky., until his retirement in 1996. He was respected in the business community, serving on the board of directors of First Southern National Bank in Wickliffe and was former president of the board of directors of Associated Building Centers in Cape Girardeau.

Lester lived life to the fullest and shared his pastimes with family and friends. His passions for fishing, hunting, gardening and enjoying the outdoors live on in his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Miller of Cape Girardeau; a son, David Miller of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Rebecca O'Neal of Denver, Sarah Boeker of St. Louis; a brother, Thomas Miller of Tallahassee, Fla.; and six grandchildren, Brian Miller, Derek Miller, Margaret O'NeaI, Michael O'Neal, Irma Boeker and Anton Boeker.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester P. Miller Sr. and Easter Farris Miller, and an infant brother, Gene.

Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, followed by the funeral service at 5 p.m., also at the church. The Rev. Scott Moon will officiate. Interment will be in Cape County Memorial Park with full military rites by the Missouri Honors Team.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.