Clarence H. Lester, Sr., age 86, of Keesemills Road, Paul Smiths, NY died Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

Born in Paul Smiths, New York on November 09, 1930, he was the son of Wayne and Lois (Childs) Lester. Clarence married Dorothy M. Ero on January 29, 1955 in the Malone Methodist Church. Dorothy predeceased him on March 10, 2013.

Clarence had been employed for Paul’s Smiths College for over 45 years until his retirement in 1996. He tended to the St. John’s Cemetery in Paul Smiths for many years. Clarence enjoyed hunting, fishing and going for Sunday drives.

He is survived by three sons Steven Lester of Saranac Lake, Wayne Lester and his wife Myra of Tupper Lake and Clarence Lester, Jr. and his wife Lynn of Saranac Lake, two daughters Jane Lester of Colchester, VT and Judy Lester of Paul Smiths, 3 grandchildren , 3 Great Grandchildren , 9 brothers and sisters, Nellie Clark of Massena, Herbert Lester of Constable, Wesley (Fay) Lester of Westville, Francis Lester of Ft. Covington, Isabelle (Bert) Smith of Ft. Covington, Gail Lester of Phoenicia, Richard Lester of Constable, Leslie (Elsie) Lester of Saranac, NY and Lawrence Lester of Onchiota, one sister-in-law Rose Lester of Florida and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, one son William Lester and one brother Robert Lester.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. A funeral service will immediately follow at 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home, with Rev. William Cooper officiating. Burial will take place in St. John’s Cemetery in the spring.

Friends wishing to remember Clarence H. Lester, Sr. may make memorial contributions to Paul Smith's - Gabriels Volunteer Fire Dept. in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

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