Arland Langley Lester

Arland L. Lester, Sr., was born October 8, 1938 in Bull Creek, West Virgina to the late Nelson and Effie (Cline) Lester. He and his twin brother, Orville, were the oldest of twelve children. Arland passed from this life into the arms of his Savior, Jesus, on March 21, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dad closed his eyes here on earth and opened them in glory, beholding first the face of Jesus, then the face of his beloved bride of 65 years, and his oldest son, A.L. Mom predeceased him in July 2023, and we, as a family, believe Mom said, "YooHoo, Arland, I'm over here" in her sweet southern voice.

Dad enlisted in the Air Force in 1956, served for 20 years and retired in 1974 as a Technical Sergeant. He was a Vietnam Veteran and served in Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and many state-side bases. He also worked for DITCO, at Scott AFB for 15 years. Dad was on the board of the Specialized Living Center for years, until his health deteriorated.

Dad's highest calling was as Associate Pastor of Little Oak Baptist Church, Lebanon, Ill. He was a God-Fearing, Faithful man, who loved the Lord. He witnessed to all, telling them of the love of Jesus. Dad had a heart for people, and his constant prayer was for the salvation of the lost. He left a legacy of love for Jesus, his church, Calvary Baptist Church, Belleville, Ill., and his family. As for us, his children, and grandchildren, "We have this promise, we will meet again someday."

Arland was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn Lester, nee Hodge; his oldest son, A.L. Lester; his parents Nelson and Effie Lester, nee Cline; his twin brother Orville S. Lester; brothers Ott, Claude, and Phillip Lester.

Surviving are children Frances (Frank) Howard of Yukon, Okla., Janet (Rick) Sutton of Helotes, Texas, and Tim (Stacey) Lester of Freeburg, Ill.; daughter-in-law Marie Lester; a much-loved Goddaughter Mary Frances Soltys; grandchildren Rachael Howard, Sarah (Brett) Smith, Emily (Andy) Shoultz, Joshua Lester, Jordan Lester, Leigha Sutton, Jessica (Joshua) Greene, Kayla (Jonathan) Ramsey; great-grandchildren Jeremiah Smith, Isla Shoultz, Korra Smith, Landon Greene and Carter Ramsey; brothers Dott (Dolly) Lester, Hassel Lester; sisters Velma Grubb, Edna Like, Ovella Jennings, Della (Al) Vinson, and Clarice (Curtis) Hagerman. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, his in-laws, and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Calvary Baptist Church, 423 Lucinda Ave, Belleville, IL 62221. Share a memory of Arland at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

Visitation: 4-7 pm Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, IL, 62269

Funeral: Noon, Friday, March 29, 2024 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, with Pastor Gary Huffman officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arland Langley Lester, please visit our floral store.