Lester Kesner

James Lester Kesner, age 90, of Upper Tract, WV passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Grant Memorial Hospital in Petersburg, WV.

Mr. Kesner was born April 4, 1930 in Mozer, WV and was the son of the late Samuel Lester Kesner and Leota (Armentrout) Kesner.  In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Veronica McLaughlin; one half- brother, Norman Armentrout.

Lester is survived by his wife of 65 years, Juanita Jane (Alt) Kesner; two daughters, Brenda (Kesner) McLaughlin and husband Dr. Rev. David McLaughlin of Durham, NC; Myra (Kesner) Vance and husband Mike of Petersburg, WV; one son, Michael C. Kesner and wife Mary of Upper Tract, WV; four grandchildren, Erin McLaughlin, Meghan Vance Wilson and husband Jon, McKenzie Vance and Destini Kesner;  one brother, Wilbur Dale Kesner and wife, Beverly of Brookville, Ohio; one sister, Bonnie Keplinger of Stephenson, VA. and several nieces and nephews.

Lester worked for the former Petersburg Tannery, Kessel Lumber Company and retired from Hanover Shoe Company in Franklin, WV.  Lester was a lifelong member of Faith Assembly of God Church in Petersburg.  He also was a member of the Petersburg Church of God and served on the church council.  

Graveside service will be Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 2 PM in the Kline Cemetery at Kline, WV with Bishop Edward Murray officiating.  Please be prepared to adhere to all guidelines including face coverings and social distancing.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 1:00 PM in the Petersburg Church of God.

Those who wish to remember Lester in a special way, may make gifts in his memory to the Petersburg Church of God, 13 Myrtle Avenue, Petersburg, WV 26847 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.  

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