Willie Dave (Bill) Lester, 86

Funeral services for Willie Dave (Bill) Lester, 86, of Bakersfield, were held Dec. 14, 2023, at Bakersfield First Baptist Church. Burial was at Fore Cemetery.

Mr. Lester passed away at 9:32 a.m., Dec. 9, at his home.

He was born May 17, 1937, to Roy Lester and Johnnie Pemberton Lester. On April 1, 1959, he was married at Salem, Arkansas, to Eva Mullins, who preceded him in death on March 6, 2013. Bill enjoyed sports and especially enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate. He loved having his home filled with his family and many friends who felt like family. Mr. Lester was a member of Bakersfield First Baptist Church for many years.

He is survived by four children: Lee Lester and wife Tresa, of Viola, Arkansas, John Lester and wife Terena, of Bakersfield, Louisa Hudson and husband Duane, of Estes Park, Colorado, and David Lester and wife Lisa, of Bakersfield; eight grandchildren: Matt Lester and wife Courtney, Troy Lester and wife Lia, Stacie Tackitt and husband Anthony, Stephanie Mitchell and husband Logan, Corby James and wife Charity, Claire Haney and husband Gavin, Makenzie Lester and Clint Lester and wife Kirsten; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Cora Sell, of Springfield; one sister-in-law, Sandra Fagan, of Cape Coral, Florida; one special niece, Janice Asher, of West Plains; and several other nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, one great-grandson, one brother, two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law, preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fore Cemetery or Bakersfield First Baptist Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. 

Arrangements by Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains.