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Orville Shirley Lester, Sr, 79, of Okawville, IL, born October 8, 1938 Mohawk, WV, passed away at Memorial East Hospital on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.

Orville retired as a Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force. He established the Little Oak Baptist Church in Lebanon, Illinois in 1968. He was a firm believer and valued education, of which he received his Ph.D. He enjoyed playing softball at the Air Force bases where he was stationed. He also enjoyed a good game of racquet ball. He very much loved his family and his grandchildren, along with his church. Orville was a very humble and hardworking man.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Effie Lester, nee Cline, and three brothers.

Surviving are his wife, Delma Lester; 3 children, Orville (Laurie) Lester, Jr. of Columbia, IL, Michael (Myke Zurenda) Lester of Houston, TX, and Mark (Jessica) Lester of Okawville, IL; five sisters and three brothers; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org). Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 13, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Schildknecht Funeral Home, 301 South Lincoln Ave., O'Fallon, IL 62269.

Visitation will also be held Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home with funeral service beginning at 9:30 a.m. with Pastors Mark Minor and Ernie Meadows officiating.

Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery 2900 Sheridan St. Louis, MO 63125 with full military honors.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.

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