Charles H. Lester

The Payette Independent
Thursday, December 5, 1929

CHARLES H. LESTER CALLED BY DEATH

PAYETTE BUSINESS MAN PASSED AWAY AT SALEM, OREGON, SATURDAY

That death loves a shining light was again made evident to the citizens of Payette when the news reached us that the grim reaper had sounded the eternal call for Charles H. Lester, a former business man in this city who had disposed of his business and gone to Salem, Oregon, in the hope that a temporary change would benefit his health.

For a couple of years Mr. Lester had been in poor health and on more than one occasion before he left here his life had been despaired of, but he rallied and it was hoped that a change of climate and a rest from business cares would have the desired result. It was understood when he left that he would return, as he loved Payette, but little did his friends think that only the body of our friend would return.

Charles H. Lester was born in Islip, New York, April 2, 1874, and died at Salem, Oregon, Nov. 30, 1929, at the age of 55 years, seven months and 28 days. He came to Payette from Spokane, Wash., 21 years ago and had resided here ever since until a couple of months ago. He was married to Ella Pearl Kay at Chester, Washington, on November 17,1903, and one son, Harold, who died at the age of ten, was born to them. The wife is left, but not to mourn alone as the entire community have mingled their tears with hers and they will always hold him in affectionate remembrance.

Mr. Lester typified the quiet, unostentatious, extremely lovable Christian gentleman. The outpouring at his funeral, which was held at the Baptist church Wednesday afternoon at 2.30 was a testimonial to the esteem in which he was held by everybody, and the beautiful tribute by his pastor, Rev. L. G. Fraser, portrayed in eloquent terms the nobleness of his character and the life of sacrifice and devotion he had lived. There were no dry eyes at the conclusion of the service and every face depicted the personal loss the individual was suffering. He loved his God, he loved his family, he loved his church, he loved the companionship of Christian people and he loved his fellowmen as few do, and the richness of his experience beamed upon his countenance until to be in his presence was to imbibe some of the joys and blessings of his wonderful life.

He was laid to rest in Riverside cemetery, and as his mortal remains were returned to earth from whence it came, there was not one who knew him who doubted that his spirit had taken its flight to realms above.