Lester William Routh

Lester William Routh was born November 8th, 1946. He passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, at his sister’s home in Peculiar, Missouri, at the age of 79. He was born in Wyandotte County in Kansas City, Kansas, to the parents of Walter Clinton Routh Sr. and Dorothy Jean Cooper.

Lester was the second oldest of twelve siblings. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Clinton Routh Sr., and his mother, Dorothy Jean Cooper, along with his brother, Walter Jr., and three sisters, Susan Allen, Georgia Miller, and Tammy Foster.

Lester is survived by his sisters Sandra Faye, Gloria Kight, Debbie Bancroft, Rita Horton, and Joyce Cronin, and his brothers John Routh and Robert Cooper. He married Joyce Hyman in September 1999. He also had 25 nieces and nephews, and more great-nieces and great-nephews than anyone could count, all of whom he loved deeply—and never missed an opportunity to tease, torment, and lovingly pick on

Lester started working in construction along with dealing with sand and cement. He then went to work at the salvage yard in Kansas City, Kansas. He moved to Texas and became a security guard. While he was there, he was a semi-truck driver for Vital Fresh in Columbia, Missouri, then went back to Texas. His last job was city maintenance in Little Elm, Texas. He always said that Texas was his favorite place to live because of it being warm.

Lester loved working on the farm. He was a hard worker. However, what he loved the most was playing his guitar alongside his brothers, father, and uncles. Some of his favorite country music singers were George Jones, Willie Nelson, Randy Travis, Loretta Lynn, and Kitty Wells. He also loved western TV shows.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Lester was a great son, brother, and friend. He will most definitely be missed by all.