Lester Curtis Wyers

Lester Curtis Wyers, of Mulberry, Arkansas passed into next realm peacefully at home on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012. He had an 8th grade formal education, but knew so much about all the different types of welding equipment that he maintained and repaired for the shipyard, that the crew of Dept X-18 Building 222 simply called him “Doc”. He didn’t talk about work much so he never mentioned his nickname to the family but when he retired after 37 years in the yard, the crew presented him a signed group photo made out to “Doc”. The person he was closest to in the yard was a man, since retired, named Snake Williams. The family hopes Snake sees this and remembers his buddy “Doc” fondly.

Lester earned his GED while he was in the Army and completed an electronics correspondence course while working as a magnifluxer for the yard. It took him three years to earn his AAS in industrial electronics. For extra income, he repaired TVs and radios. He enjoyed reading Isaac Asimov and never missed an episode of Star Trek.

Lester was a believer in God. He was an honest man. He wouldn’t sell you a car without first telling you everything that was wrong with it. He was baptized in the 1960s at Fairview Christian in Lynchburg by Rev. Suttenfield.

After 6 weeks dating, Wanda Gail Jackson and Lester Wyers were united in marriage and remained happily married for 54 years. They began their married life in a rented airstream trailer that lacked running water. Obtaining water meant a trip to the gas station with a metal can. When Lester met Gail’s parents, he was so nervous that he flicked his ashes into what he thought was a fancy cut –glass ashtray. It was the sugar bowl.

In his later years, Lester wasn’t able to get around and fix up the house the way he had always done. The family thanks Deas Construction on Warwick Blvd. and Betty’s Plumbing for all their help. John and Pete of Deas are the names that especially come to mind. Kevin of Betty’s, we love you. You all came when called no matter the time, did the job well, often doing more than asked and never took advantage of the situation the way some companies would have. Hudson Davis was the nurse who attended Lester in the end. Without you, Hudson, Lester’s wishes to pass on in his own home would not have been possible. Your kindness, professionalism, and humor during the tough times will not be forgotten. With gratitude, the family acknowledges Dr. Thomas Shacochis and his wonderful nurse, Susan, for their many years of medical care. Thanks also to Genevieve Forges for her outstanding support at the time of our loss. You are going to make a great nurse practitioner.

Lester leaves behind two daughters, Marinda Wyers Martin and Wanda Yvonne Parks and four grandchildren, Jason, Joshua, Theresa, and Eddie all of whom cherish his memory. Above all, the family wishes to thank Larry Martin (Marinda’s husband of 22 years) for his dedication, support, and love. Special thanks to Ron Parks for his help and compassion.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A private funeral service will be held at Hampton-Veterans Memorial Gardens, with military honors, officiated by Pastor Don Back of Faith Church of God.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Christian Church, 2701 Campbell Avenue, Lynchburg, Virginia 24501.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of comfort with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. in Hampton, 23666.