Richard Ellsworth Lester, 82 of Centerview, Missouri passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at his residence.

Richard was born October 21, 1941 in Montevallo, Missouri, son of Jesse Edgar Lester and Dolores (Leach) Lester. Following graduation from high school in Mayview, Richard served in the United States Army from January 1964 to January 1966. He was united in marriage to Lois Maxine Draper on the 29th of October, 1971 at Forrest City, Arkansas.His passion was in building and racing cars in his younger years, then in farming, including raising hogs and growing soybeans and milo. He was also one of the most knowledgeable mechanics in the area and he loved lending his skills to others. Friends, family, and neighbors all around knew they could always count on him to solve their most complex mechanical needs. He'd talk your ear off explaining all the details of the repair job, and his work would rarely be confused with any typical factory repair job, but in the end, he'd always get the job done in his own "Lesterized" way!

Survivors include his children: Laverna Pugh of Springfield, Missouri; Stanley McCannon (Tricia) of Bunceton, Missouri; Walter "Peewee" McCannon (Anita) of Leeton, Missouri; Teresa Cottingham of Springfield, Missouri; Galen "Joe" McCannon of Knob Noster; siblings: Morris E. Lester; Kenneth Craig Lester; Emily Christine Lee; 18 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents: Jesse and Dolores Lester; wife: Lois Maxine Lester; siblings: Stanley Joe Lester; Keith L. Lester; Marilyn K. Lester; and Paul Milton "Cricket" Lester.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg with Chaplain John Phillips officiating. Interment will follow at Warrensburg Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army Honor Guard, American Legion Post #131 and V.F.W Post 2513. Pallbearers will be Jamie McCannon, Quintin McCannon, Kaden McCannon, Jared McCannon, Joe Peek and Robert Neal. Honorary pallbearers will be Darby Savage, Barbi Savage and Jennifer Peek.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Johnson County Cancer Foundation in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net