John Darwin Lester, 84, of Abingdon, VA, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Bristol Regional Hospital. He was born on January 14, 1940, in Grundy, VA, to the late John and Lula Wyatt Lester.
John graduated from Grundy High School in 1958. He was a Marine Corps Veteran. He retired from the Department of Labor as a Federal Mine Inspector, retiring after many years of service. John spent most of his life in Grundy before moving to Abingdon in 2000.
He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lula Lester; his sister Rose Marie St. John; and brother-in-law Thomas Camery.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Alice Gail Armes Lester; one son, John David Lester and wife Robbin; and one grandson, William Jax Darwin Lester and (Sydney Poore) of Louisville, KY. He is also survived by his sisters, Cathy Lester of Roanoke, VA, and Brenda Camery of Felicity, OH; brother-in-law Buddie and wife Nancy Armes; sister-in-law Lisa and husband Reggie Carson of Oregon; several nieces and nephews; and many friends who were considered family.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Home Nursing Service, Dr. William Mark Handy, who was his doctor for 24 years and has always been there for him any time he was needed, and the staff at Bristol Regional Hospital for their compassion and care during John's final days.
A visitation for John will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 1:30 PM until 2:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at Holston Baptist Church.
Frost Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Lester.
Gail & Family: I was so sorry to hear about John passing. I immediately thought of our good times in Grundy. I know he will be missed. You & your family are in my prayers. Barbara Plymal