Daniel Brian Lester, 68, of Galesburg, Illinois, died unexpectedly Thursday, June 20, 2024.
Dan was born on May 17, 1956 in Galesburg, Illinois the son of Clarence Everett and Nellie (Kennedy) Lester. After graduating high school Dan joined the United States Navy Reserves, serving in Adak, AK during Desert Storm, two years in Spain, and lastly was recalled to Iraq during Enduring Freedom as a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist, earning numerous decorations, medals, and campaign ribbons throughout the years. He was honorably discharged after 20 years. Dan had a 30 year career with Butler Mfg. in Galesburg and had lastly spent the better part of 20 years working as a conductor for the BNSF Railroad.
Dan married Laura Jean Harvey on February 20, 1981 in Galesburg, Illinois. Dan is survived by his wife of 43 years, Laura of Galesburg; his children, Cassandra (Stephen) Rose of Fernley, Nevada, Michael Lester of Elgin, Illinois and Bobby (Andrea) Harris of Greenville, Texas; and the light of his life, his six grandchildren, Malachi, Gabriel, Elijah, and Oliver Rose, and Caitlin and Luke Harris. He is also survived by one brother, John (Barb) Lester of Davenport, Iowa; four sisters, Sharon (Steve) Apsey of Galesburg, Mary Zielke of East Moline, Illinois, Patsy (Gary) Tucker of Muscatine, Iowa, and Gerry (Tim) Harris of St. Marys, Georgia; and a sister-in-law, Lisa Harvey of New Orleans, Louisiana. Including his parents, Dan was preceded in death by one brother, Tony and one sister, Teresa Bird.
First and foremost Dan was a family man and a man of God. He loved any opportunity to be with his family and his grandchildren, playing with them as much as possible and teaching them the game of baseball. He truly loved going to work and providing for his family. Dan relished any opportunity to attend church and praise God. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and watching sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears and Cubs. Dan always enjoyed a good meal, especially Laura’s cooking. Dan truly loved people; there was never a quick trip out with him as he never met a stranger.
Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg with funeral services following at 1:00 p.m. Deacon Michael Crummer and his son-in-law, Pastor Stephen Rose will officiate. Burial with military rites will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for the benefit of his grandchildren. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
