He was the cherished son of Thomas Earl, Sr. and Joan Patricia Lester; loving father of Samantha Lester and Thomas Earl Lester, III; cherished grandfather of Shelby Tormollan; and dear brother of Trinita Duncan, Amy Leaf, Wanda Hartley, Patrick Lester, and Bonnie Coughlin. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. IN THE CARE OF. Service map data OpenStreetMap contributors. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. I loved Tom so much! Who Receive obituaries Joseph T. Trent February 21, Predicting the IHSA girls basketball state finals, Popular, long-standing downtown Rockford restaurant closes indefinitely, NHL Trade Deadline 2023: Rangers acquire Patrick Kane from Blackhawks, Top 3 reasons why Byron girls could win its third IHSA state title, Rockford-area man arrested, charged after shooting at Onyx Bar & Grill, 2023 IHSA All-State Academic Team announced, Cubs' Suzuki out of World Baseball Classic with injury, Stellantis announces big Indiana investment as it idles Illinois plant, IHSA Girls Basketball Tournament 2023: Super-Sectional scores, Illinois cannabis working group will engage industry, equity advocates, Vote for one of these 8 Rockford-area stars to be athlete of the week, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. After graduation Tom attended Blinn Junior College, but his love for agriculture and family led him back home. Thomas Lester Thomas Weldon Lester was born on March 15, 1941, in Alameda, California to Velpo and Lola (Grisham) Lester. When he was not coaching Little League or Little Dribblers basketball for not just his own children, but for the youth of Gonzales, he was traveling. [2][9] He still participated in autograph shows and fan forums, often dressed as Eb Dawson. Pallbearers: John Thomas Miller, Wade Miller, Christopher Holub, Weldon Holub, Ryan Mills, Phil Hartung, Brian Sample, Ross Hendershot III, and Gene Kridler. Rest in peace and my prayers to your family I know you are missed. May 26 was the day that Eddie Albert went home to be with Jesus! [8], Lester was a farmer and for many years had been a Christian speaker who traveled the nation, preaching a message of faith and obedience. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. The purpose was to manufacture tires that had been long obsolete. Those remotely symptomatic of COVID-19 are politely asked not to attend. We invite you to share condolences for Tom Lester in our Guest Book. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. He appeared in two feature animal films, Gordy and Benji. Tom was the son of the late William and Helen (Tracy) Lester of Dorchester and brother of the late Helen Donahue of Dennis, Rita Tacey of West Roxbury and Elizabeth MacNeil of Holliston. Relatives and friends invited. In his early 20s he attended the First Baptist Church of Beverly Hills, California. I grew up watching him on green acres he was my favorite character and he made the show!! Box 690789, Quincy, MA 02269 (www.dmnazareth.org). You loved the Cannonball! Babione Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mary graduated from Furman with a Tom Lester was talented actor, a true American icon. [CDATA[ Greenville, South Carolina 29601. He was predeceased by : his father-in-law Donald Holub. They were always so special and unique. [13], In 1997, Lester was the recipient of Mississippi's "Wildlife Farmer of the Year" award. Sarah Miller and her husband; nephews: John Thomas JT Miller, Wade Miller, and William Miller; sister: Rebekah Morgan and her husband, Bobby; nieces: Sadie Morgan and Grace Morgan; brother: Daniel Stayton Lester and wife, Tiffany; nieces: Faith Lester, Joelee Lester, and Danni Lester; rother-in-law: Ronald Holub and wife, Mary Lou; nephews: Weldon Holub and Landon Holub; rother-in-law: Christopher Holub and wife, Maggie; nephew Christopher Holub; niece: Ainsley Holub; and Braylon Holub. Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. Tom was a passionate golfer, belonging to Beachmont Country Club in Cleveland, Deer Creek Country Club, Boca Rio Country Club in FL and Adios Country Club in Coconut Creek, FL. It was a privilege and a pleasure to know him. On February 14th, Thomas Earl Lester, Jr. passed away. Even during the height of Green Acres' popularity, Lester lived modestly in a small apartment over a garage in the San Fernando Valley. Soon it will be a year that you are gone! With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Thomas Lester (Gonzales, Texas), who passed away on August 26, 2021 at the age of There is no photo or video of Thomas Lester.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. With deep love and gratitude, the family appreciates the outpouring of love, support, and prayers shown to them during this time. document.write (document.charset ? You didn't mind taking time to give autographs to your fans! Now you are with Jesus and celebrating this with Him. The Lester family would like to express their appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff and healthcare providers at The Atrium of Faxon Woods, where Tom had been a resident, and Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care for their dedication and loving care of Tom. Lester was working in local theater when he won the role of Eb Dawson, the wise guy farmhand for Mr. and Mrs. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. zoneId = '33'; Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Interment will follow at Floyd Chapel Cemetery. He made me always want to be funny and lighthearted in times that may be trying and I still hold true to that in my heart to this day. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. Although you & he were not of the same persuasion you really valued his love of Jesus! Those wishing to watch the funeral service on-line, please go to First UMC Gonzales YouTube. He briefly attended graduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi, but acting became his main interest. You looked handsome as a farmer or dressed up! Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. He was born in 1919 in New York to Russian degree in chemistry and biology. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. He was the only connection with youth that the show had, Green Acres director Richard L. Bare told the TV Academys The Interviews series in 2003. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. if (!document.MAX_used) document.MAX_used = ','; He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Tom was a big man, but he had an even bigger heart. You enjoyed visiting the area where he was born! He was raised in south Gonzales County on their family farm which was In 1991 he played the adult Pete Maravich in the film about the future basketball hall-of-famer's youth, The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend. He was very well known for his love of vintage automobiles, and his fabulous car collection was once voted one of the ten best collections in the country.