Harold Lester

Harold Lester passed away March 28, 2019 due to health complications. He was preceded in death by his father Ira Lester, mother Lillian Warwick, and brother Robert (Bob) Lester. He is survived by his sister Dena Eliason (Earl) of Pagosa Springs, CO and sister-in-law Pat Lester of Chandler, AZ.

Harold is also survived by his wife, Jeannine, of 66 years; daughter Vicky Endres (Dave), Randy Lester-Wilson (Ryan), Paul Lester (Kathy Blum), Leigh Ann Alexander (Jeff), and Howard Lester (Martha). His grieving family also includes grandchildren Jeremy Endres (JoJo), Jarred Endres (Chris), Sean Lester-Wilson, Erin Coffey (Brent), Bryan Lester, Kadin Tallon, Rosa Plasencia (Colin Lessig), Ana Plasencia (Sam), and Corey Lester (Mayra), and great-grandson Theo. In addition, Harold has a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews scattered across the United States.

Harold was born January 11, 1935 in Rapid City, South Dakota. He lived there until enlisting in the Air Force in 1952. Harold went to basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. He was then transferred to March AFB in Riverside, CA. Within a short period of time, he and Jeannine moved to Lowry AFB in Aurora, CO. The couple returned to Rapid City after a few years and remained there until 1960. From there, he was transferred to Shepherd AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. Harold was once again assigned to Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota. By then, the family had grown to five children. Harold was next stationed at Andersen AFB on Guam, followed by Griffiss AFB in Rome, NY. His last assignment was March AFB (Riverside, CA). He retired from military service in 1973 after serving 20+ years.

Harold received a Master’s in Tax Law after working in the tax field for several years. He opened “Citrus Belt Tax Service” (in late 1979), which was the pride of his career in Moreno Valley, CA. His daughter Vicky worked with him from 1980 until the time of his passing.

Harold was most ‘at home’ meeting with his clients, exchanging stories about their respective families, while doing corporate and individual tax returns. He was well-respected within the field of tax accounting. Harold taught several tax courses at local colleges.

The motto of “Citrus Belt Tax Service” was ‘Service with Integrity.’ Harold was a man of strong moral character. He faithfully took care of his family. Harold was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church (Riverside, CA), Shepherd of the Valley (Moreno Valley, CA), and Lord of Life Lutheran Church. In the absence of a pastor, he and Cindy Cassem co-led services, as needed, on Sunday mornings.

Harold was fond of orange slices, red vines, sunflower seeds, and chocolate cake with white icing. He was handy with tools and worked on the family’s cars. He had a die-cast collection of miniature classics that brought him much joy. Playing cards (“Michigan Rummy”) was a favorite past time.

Harold loved his family, his business, his church, and his country. The legacy he leaves will be engraved on his tombstone: “Man of Integrity.”

Services will be held April 16, 2019 at “Lord of Life Lutheran Church” in Moreno Valley, CA, at 9:30 am. A “Committal Ceremony” will be held that afternoon promptly at 1:15pm, Staging Area #2, Riverside National Ceremony with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or a worthy cause of your choice