Lewis T. Jester, Jr., 89, Marion, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 30 at home in Marion, Ohio, in the company of his family.
Lew was born in Newport News, Virginia on August 22, 1920, the first child of Lewis Sr. and Annie Lash Jester.
Lew and his brother Malvern spent their youth enjoying boating and fishing on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
Lew graduated from M.I.T. in 1941 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and was a member of Eta Kappa Nu, the honorary society of Electrical Engineers. While there, he was a star hurdler, member of the mile relay team, anchor on the team that held the school record for 10 years, captain of the track team and chairman of the athletic council.
It was at M.I.T. that Lew met the elegant Radcliffe student Elizabeth Sweeny, the love of his life, who he married in 1942.
After graduation, Lew began his 25 year career with General Electric in Boston . While there he served as chairman of the American Institute of Electrical Engineering. The family grew with children, Elizabeth Ann, Lewis III and Brian before moving with G.E. to Schenectady N.Y., the company’s headquarters, where he was manager of mining and cement sales.
Lew was a devoted father and was involved in the PTAs of the children’s schools and cub scouts. He always enjoyed attending their musical concerts and sporting events as well as taking the family on ski trips and sailing adventures. Lew enjoyed listening to opera and waltzes, and dancing with his wife Elizabeth during romantic candlelit evenings. He loved entertaining and was a charming and gracious host, even surprising delighted guests with magic tricks. Summers at the homestead in Tidewater Virginia were some of the most special times for the family.
Lew left G.E. in 1967 to become Vice President of Marketing at Marion Power Shovel in Marion, Ohio. While in Marion, Lew was involved in numerous community activities and held positions on the boards of Rotary and the Palace Theater. He was involved in M.I.N.T. (Marion investment Trust), Marion Finance Committee, Symposiarchs, Marion Community Foundation as well as the vestry at St Paul’s Church.
He was a member of the Marion Country Club, Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club and Catawba Island Yacht Club. He spent many exciting weeks racing and cruising on his sailing yacht Valkyr throughout the Great Lakes. While working, as well as after retirement, Lew and Elizabeth traveled extensively throughout the world, visiting over 80 countries.
Lew is preceded in his death by his parents, his wife Elizabeth and his daughter Elizabeth Ann. He is survived by his brother Malvern H.L. Jester and sister-in-law Frances of Coronado, CA, his son Lewis T. Jester III and his wife Suzanne of Houston Texas, his son Brian L. Jester and his wife Katherine of Tulerosa, New Mexico and grandchildren Larissa Jester Pommeraud and her husband Jacques of Paris, France, Lindsay A. Jester of San Francisco, CA, Brian L. Jester II and his wife Sara of Marion Ohio, Christopher R. Jester of Dayton, Ohio and Erica J. Jester currently stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Lew’s family would like to express its gratitude and love to dear caregivers, Dyan, Heather, Carla, Ashley, Angela, Elisha, and Tim whose kindness and support have meant so very much. Also thanks to Hospice of Marion.
A visitation will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 197 East Center St., in Marion, Ohio, on Saturday, June 5th, at 10:00am. The funeral service is to be conducted at 11:00 am. The interment will follow, via an escorted cortege, at Marion Cemetery. Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors are assisting with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, and for those desiring, contributions may be made in Lew’s name to the Rotary Foundation or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.gunderhallandfolk.com
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