Roll Call Tribute

Published in Houston Chronicle from March 13 to March 17, 2013

William Eugene Lester
William  Eugene Lester, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, died on Sunday, March 10th, at the age of 95, in the home he loved and shared with his wife, Alphia, for over fifty years. He was a wonderful man who saw the good in everyone. Born on August 1, 1917 to William H. and Mayme Boggs Lester, in Concord, Texas, Bill grew up in West Columbia. After graduating from high school in 1934, he enrolled at Texas A&M and joined Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. He graduated in 1939 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. After graduation Bill worked in and around Leon County, where he met the "love of his life", Alphia Wingfield on a blind date. They were married November 26, 1941, only a few days before Pearl Harbor. Bill was immediately called into active duty. After basic training, Bill took his bride to A.P. Hill in Fredericksburg, Virginia where he was assigned to the 29th Division, 116 infantry, Anti Tank Company. In October of 1942, Bill left the States to begin training in England. The next two years were spent in the planning and preparation of Operation Overlord. In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, Captain Lester, along with the 29th Division stormed on shore at Omaha Beach. Over the next month they battled their way toward the town of St Lo, a position that was vital to allow the Allies to take the battle to the Germans throughout Europe. While encountering fierce opposition and sustaining heavy losses, on July 18, 1944 St. Lo was liberated. Though the war would continue, in early September, Bill was wounded near Brest. He was transported back to England and then returned to the States. In November 1944, Bill was reunited with Alphia and their 2 year old son, Billy. Before retiring from the army, Bill received his promotion to the rank of Major.
In 1994, Bill along with Alphia returned to France for the 50th Anniversary of D Day. It was a special time for reunions and remembrances. In 1946, Bill, Alphia, Billy and infant daughter Sandra moved to south Louisiana where Bill began his career in the petroleum industry, working at the refinery in Erath. In 1950 the family, returned to Texas and set up residence in Houston where the Lesters would spend the rest of their lives. They joined Bethany Christian Church, where they would remain members for over 60 years with Bill serving on the Board of Elders for many years. Upon returning to Texas, Bill purchased season tickets to the Texas Aggie football games and from 1950 to 2003, the Lesters never missed a home game at Kyle Field. Bill served on the board of the 12th Man Foundation. Traveling around the country with fellow Aggies to Foundation meetings and football games just made life worth living. Bill continued his career in the petroleum industry, retiring at the age of 82 from Coalinga Corporation. Alphia died in 2010, only a short time after they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Joe and Marie Lester, sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Don Bagby He is survived by son William Lester of Las Vegas Nevada and daughter Sandra McBride and husband Jim of Houston. Also surviving him are grandchildren Mark Lester and wife Elizabeth, Tracy McCleary and husband Ryan, Jason Dillee and wife Sally, Lisa Neuman and husband Greg, Sean McBride and wife Jeaneth and great grandchildren Christian, Erin, Jeb, Hayes, Elinor, Zach, Matthew and Isaac all of Houston and sister-in-law Imadel Bachus of College Station. The family will always be grateful for the gentle, kind and loving care Bill received, over the last 3 years, from Helen Belford, Faye Conley, Carolyn Haywood, Yvonne Ursin and Mae Rudd. They were a wonderful blessing to Dad. The family also thanks Vitas Hospice for their support. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: The 12th Man Foundation P.O. Box 2800 College Station, Texas 77841-2800. Bethany Christian Church 3223 Westheimer Houston, Texas 77098 or the charity of your choice . 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
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Published in Houston Chronicle on March 13, 2013

William Lester
William Eugene Lester passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 10th, in the home he loved and shared with his wife Alphia for over fifty years. He was a wonderful man who saw the good in everyone. He is survived by son William Lester of Las Vegas, Nevada and daughter Sandra McBride and husband Jim of Houston. Also survived by grandchildren Mark Lester and wife Elizabeth, Tracy McCleary and husband Ryan
and Jason Dillee and wife Sally, all of Houston. A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19th at 11:00am, at Bethany Christian Church, 3223 Westheimer Road. A more detailed obituary will appear in the Sunday edition of the Houston Chronicle.

Forest Park Westheimer
Funeral Home
12800 Westheimer Road
Houston TX, 77077
(281) 497-2330