Roy Lester

Roy E. “Gene” Lester, 84 years, of Monroe, MI, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Mercy Memorial Hospital. Gene had been in declining health for three weeks. Born April 9, 1929 in Harrogate, TN, Gene was the son of the late Elbert and Marie (Fleemon) Lester. Gene was a 1948 graduate of Monroe High School. Gene served his country honorably and proudly during the Korean War in the United States Navy aboard the USS William Seiverling. Gene began in the Naval Reserves in 1946 and was called to active duty in December of 1950. For his service to country Gene received the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the China Service Medal. On January 19, 1952, Gene married his beloved wife, the former Doris T. Knapp at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Monroe. Sadly, she preceded him in death on May 20, 2010 after 58 years of marriage. Gene began his career at River Raisin Paper Company and then as an agent for National Life Insurance Company. Gene then went to work for Ford Motor Company, where he worked as a Receiving Inspector at the Woodhaven Stamping Plant. Gene retired in 1988. Gene was a volunteer firefighter for Frenchtown Township and a member of Monroe Senior Citizens. He enjoyed trips to the casino and spending time at the family cabin in Northern Michigan. More than anything Gene enjoyed his friends and family, especially time spent watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. Gene is survived by two loving daughters: Denise M. (Kent) Kaiser and Kathy A. (Richard "Rick") Colpaert both of Monroe, five cherished grandchildren: Renee (Bobby) Zimmerman, Derek (Kellie) Kaiser, Matt (Shauna) Colpaert, Brent Kaiser, and Kyle Kaiser, two treasured great grandsons: Connor and Carson Zimmerman and one great granddaughter on the way. In addition to his parents and wife, Gene was preceded in death by a brother Don and a sister Geraldine Stininger. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe and Monday, July 1, 2013 from 10:00 AM until funeral services celebrating his life at 11:00 AM. The Rev. John Schinkel will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of the donors choice.