John Butler Lester, Sr.

John Butler Lester, Sr., 84, of Gonzales, passed away Sat., Oct. 26, 2019. “J.B.” as he was popularly known, was born August 10, 1935 in Gonzales to Stayton Richard Lester and Helena Butler Lester. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Gonzales. After graduating from Gonzales High School, J.B. went into business farming, ranching and poultry. He served on the GVTC Board of Directors from 1961 to June of 2019, the First National Bank of Gonzales for over 25 years and served 30 years as a reserve deputy sheriff with Gonzales County.

J.B. was an avid hunter and loved to spend time on the family ranch in McMullen County with his children and grandchildren. He loved being surrounded by his family, whether it was game nights, meals or checking cattle. He was very involved in their lives, helping to build two feed mills, planting and harvesting corn crops and picking up supplies for the Lester Shop. He did all of these things with his faithful terrier “Timmy” by his side. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

John Butler Lester, Sr. is survived by his loving family, John B. Lester, Jr (Pam), Joy Fink (George), Jan Finch (Kell) all of Cost, Jeffrey Lester (Mary Jane) of Gonzales, grandchildren, John B. “Tress” Lester, III (Hannah), A.J. Fink, Jade Finch, Reese Lester, Ross Lester, Jayla Finch, Lynnea Fink, Vanna Lester, Corben Angel Lester, and Alex Finch, great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Luxon Lester, brothers, Stayton R. “Pal” Lester, Jr (Bethel and Thomas E. Lester, Sr. (Pam). He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Joy Lynn Tieken Lester and his parents.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening, Oct. 30, 2019 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019 in the First United Methodist Church in Gonzales with Pastor Paul Smith and Rev. Steve Faulkner officiating. Interment will follow in Gonzales Memorial Park. Pallbearers: John B. Lester, III, Albert John Fink, Reese Patric Lester, Ross Stayton Lester, Corben Reed Lester and Earnest Fred “Bubba” Ehrig. Honorary pallbearers, Jade Finch, Jayla Finch, Lynnea Fink, Vanna Lester and Alexandra Finch. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of one’s choice. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.