David Herbert Lester, 68, of Plainfield, Indiana, died at home December 15, 2018. Born August 31, 1950 to Herbert Lester and Bertha Johnson Lester of Hagerstown, Indiana. They preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Purdue University.
Surviving him are his wife Nancey, and children Aaron, Brian, and Amy Lester Barr and stepchildren, Brad, John and Joe Hartung, and many grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings Linda Richardson and John Lester.
Visitation with the family and a memorial service will be held at Plainfield Christian Church, 800 N. Dan Jones Road, Plainfield, Indiana 46168 on January 5, 2019 at 10 a.m.
Donations may be made to the Indiana chapter of ALS Association.
Robin Clark says
I’m so sorry Nancey. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Even if you just want to talk. I know how difficult it is. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Mike Gehrich says
Dave was a great friend, mentor, and educator. He touched the lives of so many young people. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him
Evan Fuller says
I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Lester was an amazing professor and a great person. I am thankful I got to have him as my professor. Mr. Lester is very missed.
Christina M Myers says
Dave was a kind, understanding man. I loved him n our conversations. I will truely miss him. I am so sorry for Nancy n her family. God bless u
Karen Doty says
My hrart breaks for you all. David was such a kind and caring guy. I am so grateful that i got to know him.his bear hugs were the best. He will surely be missed as he touch many peoples hearts. My thoughts and prayers are sent to all of you. Much love
Karen Doty says
My heart breaks for you all. David was such a kind and caring guy. I am so grateful that i got to know him.his bear hugs were the best. He will surely be missed as he touch many peoples hearts. My thoughts and prayers are sent to all of you. Much love
Roger Crail says
Dave was one of my favorite instructors, very knowledgeable and kind. He always went above and beyond to help his students learn.
Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Chris Mccartney says
Dave was a mentor and a friend.
Peace on him
Nancy Eldred says
My condolences to your family. Although I didn’t know Dave I want you to know that he was such an inspiration to my daughter Amanda Eldred. He taught her so much at Vincennes University. She told me numerous times what a great person he was, and that he was the best teacher she’d ever had!
Dave Clark says
So sorry for your loss, Nancy.
I only got to know Dave as a fellow professor, but I came to realize what a great guy and teacher he was. The students loved him. He will be greatly missed by all of us at Vincennes University, ATC.
Barb Kanode says
My sympathies to Dave’s family. He was a wonderful and caring person. When my father passed Dave showed up in Elkhart, IN for his funeral. I will never forget his compassion and caring for my family during this time. RIP Dave. You will be missed.
Mike Girdley says
So sorry for your loss. I did not know him well. I subbed for him a few times at VU. We did talk numerous times during lunch when I subbed for others. Seemed like a very nice fellow. His lesson plans for the “sub” were some of the best. Again I am so sorry to hear of his passing. RIP
Betty Hunt says
Aaron, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Just know we are keeping you and your family in our prayers. Love to you all.
Craig Bixby says
Dave was a great friend and co-worker. He was always up for sharing a great joke. He loved all things aviation and enjoyed sharing it with his friends and students. He will be missed by all that knew him. My condolences to Nancy and all of his family.
Jennifer Mendenhall says
David was my classmate at Hagerstown High School. He was a kind and caring friend. He always enjoyed class reunions and was disappointed that his illness kept him from attending our 50th. His faith and courage were inspirational. Rest in peace my friend. My prayers are with the family. May God give you peace and surround you with angels.
Darrell L. Clausen says
David taught me of a great sense of humor went a long way in enriching life. You will be missed by many. Your family is in my prayers.
Steve TerHark says
Dave was a kindred spirit in the aviation industry. I really enjoyed the education he gave me and his time and assistance with some of my projects.
I so wish we could have spent more time together in both our retirement years, but comforted knowing that he was right with our Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you so much for including us in your correspondence.
Arthur and Raquel A. Ruiz says
Dearest Nancey – Your loss is our loss – Dave and Art were co-Instructors at Flight Safety, Houston, Texas, where they taught aircraft maintenance to students from Mexico, Central America and South America from 2000 to 2015. Dave taught in English and Art translated. They were a very successful team, instructing not only in Houston but Mexico as well. Dave was a charismatic, thoughtful, generous and very knowledgeable individual. His departure is Aviation’s loss as well as ours. God Bless.
Rick Evans says
I am sorry for the loss and the difficult time you are experiencing right now. Dave was a real mentor to me and I’m so appreciative to have known him. He was a great professor. You are in my prayers.
Timothy Johnson says
Dave was a great instructor, and mentor. He challenged us students and led us to discover a true love for aviation. He helped mold us into the aircraft mechanics we are today.
A favorite memory is after trouble shooting and fixing a engine problem on a trainer he looked at me and said “ do you know what the neat thing about being a pilot and a mechanic is Tim? “ being clueless and always wondering what he’d say next, I said “ no sir” he tossed me the keys and said “ ops checking the problem you just fixed, your checked on the airplane , go take it out for a flight ”. As if I wasn’t hooked onto aviation enough, he kept the magic in avaiation.
He touched and made a great impression on us all and will be missed dearly.
Thanks Dave ,
Tim Johnson