Lester Ralph Rougeot

Lester Ralph Rougeot was born July 20, 1925 in Lowe's Canyon, Monterey County, California to Clarence and Sarah Thelma Freeman Rougeot local pioneer families. His grandparents were Rega & Dovie Nicklas Freeman from Estrella and Thomas and Ida May Shuey Rougeot from Estrella and San Luis Obispo. Lester graduated from Paso Robles High in 1943. He had been a member of the Estrella Grange #488 since 1939 and was master of the El Paso de Robles Grange #555, Pomona Grange #27 of San Luis Obispo, State Deputy of the California State Grange and member of the National Grange. Lester organized the MidState Fair Pancake Breakfast and was Marshall of Pioneer Days and Sage Brush Days. Among his many awards Lester was Roblan of the month in 1993 and Roblan of the Year 2002; Honorary Chapter Farmer - Paso Robles FFA 1966 and Friends of 4-H award for San Luis Obispo County 1992. Lester was the last surviving charter member of Native Sons of Golden West San Miguel Parlor 150.

He was preceeded in death five years ago by his wife of 64 years, Barbara (Hatch) Rougeot; sister, Mildred McGraw; his parents, grandparents; brother-in-law, John Craspay Sr.; many cousins, nephews, nieces, sisters and brothers-in-law; and also his twin brother whom he lost when they were 10 years old.

He is survived by his three children, Regina (Kelley) Bonds of Hiwassee, VA; Chester (Louise) Rougeot of Paso Robles, and Margie (Vic) LeRoux of Buena Park, CA; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and 1 great great granddaughter; sister, Gladys Craspay, of Bradley; several nieces, nephews and cousins; special niece, Judy Miller of San Luis Obispo.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 27, 4-8 pm at Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Chapel. A Graveside Service will be Tuesday, July 28, 1 pm at Paso Robles District Cemetery. Donations may be made in Lester's memory to the Dee Fitzhugh Trust. Arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.