MSgt Martin "Dale" Lester

MSgt Martin ""Dale"" Lester, USAF, Retired, age 76, of Biloxi, passed peacefully away in his home surrounded by loved ones on Friday, September 4, 2015.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Lewis Lester and Edna Athleen Lester, of Wyoming Co. WV.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Elizabeth ""Kate"" Lester; his children, Michele Dale Corn and husband Dale; Daphnea Gail Solomon and husband Ron; Kimberly Ann Pierson and husband David. His grandchildren, Bryan Corn and wife Jenn; Isaac Corn and wife Heather; Lydia Crouse and husband Chris; Tasha Rickman and husband Brad; Hayden Solomon; Alec Pierson; and Adam Pierson. His great-grandchildren, Lily Corn; Everett Corn; Evelyn Crouse; and Sadie Crouse. His siblings, Lewis Lester; Edgel Lester; Fay Stewart; and John Lester.
Dale moved to the MS Gulf Coast in 1992 to advance his profession as a Meteorologist. After serving honorably in the United States Air Force for 23 years, he continued his career as a civil service employee with over 20 years of service in the field of Meteorology as an instructor and training manager. He was highly respected by leaders and peers throughout his 43 years of military service and received an infinite amount of awards, decorations, and certificates of achievement. In his spare time he enjoyed researching genealogy, studying both American and Biblical history, playing a leisurely game of golf, working in the yard and bird watching. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He once said, ""Watching my grandkids laugh is one of the purest joys in the world"". But most of all, he cherished spending time with his wife Kate. He was her soulmate and she was his.
One of the most central parts of Dale's life was his relationship with God. He joined the New Liberty Primitive Baptist Church in Champaign, IL in 1975. He was ordained to the full work of the ministry in July 1980. During his 35 years as a minister he served as a pastor of several churches in IL, MO, AL, and MS. At the time of his passing, Elder Lester was pastor of the Gulf Coast Primitive Baptist Church in Biloxi, MS.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 12:00 pm at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., at the corner of Washington Ave., in Ocean Springs with visitation from 11 am until service time. Burial will follow with Full Military Honors at Biloxi National Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to return for a lunch reception at 2:00 pm at Riemann Family Funeral home on Lemoyne Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial donations to PINE LEVEL CHURCH, 2825 Dawes Rd., Mobile, AL 36695.
Please view and share memories at www.riemannfamily.com