Lester Thomas Walsh

"Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones." Psalms 116:15. Lester Walsh, a beloved son of God and servant of Christ, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at 5:15 p.m. after a five-month illness. He was 91 and a resident of Port Allen. Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Baton Rouge from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 2:30 p.m. Lester was born near Convent on River Road, at Remi, one of 10 children. In his youth, he worked as a truck farmer, selling produce in the French Market in New Orleans. He subsequently worked his way through LSU, living in the student dorms in Tiger Stadium, graduated from the School of Agriculture, and then served in the U.S. Army during World War II as an artillery captain in General Patton's army, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. At war's end, he moved to West Baton Rouge, where he worked as county agent. There he met his future wife, Catherine Lefeaux, whom he married in 1948, and soon moved his family to New Orleans, where he worked as a representative of International Harvester Co. In 1956, Lester relocated to the Baton Rouge area after becoming a life underwriter for New York Life. During more than 50 years of happy association with NYLIC, he made countless friends and served thousands of clients. Lester loved people, and was well loved in return. He served in leadership positions in numerous local civic organizations, professional associations and ministries of the Catholic church. These included the Baton Rouge Association of Life Underwriters, Port Allen Rotary Club, Port Allen City Council, American Legion, Manresa Mens' Retreat Captain, and various ministries of Holy Family Catholic Church and School. In recent years, he was a devoted adorer of the Eucharist at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel of Holy Family Church. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Catherine Lefeaux Walsh, and five children, three sons and two daughters: Richard T. Walsh, and his wife, Pamela Landry Walsh, the Rev. Miles D. Walsh, Jessica Walsh, John Walsh and Rebecca Walsh; a granddaughter, Anna Katherine Walsh Karamian and her husband, Artin Karamian; and two great-grandsons, Aden and Armen Karamian; a devoted sister-in-law, Carolyn Lefeaux; a beloved sister, Gracie Walsh Rivault; a brother-in-law, Joseph W. Lefeaux; and two sisters-in-law, Jenny Lefeaux and Louise Walsh; numerous nieces and nephews; and a dear family friend, Christine Wall. Preceded in death by his parents, Whitney J. Walsh Sr. and Alice Bergeron; seven brothers, Sid, Roy, Wright, Morris, James, Whitney "Jr." and Grant; and a sister, Ollie Walsh Montz. Lester never met a stranger, treasured his friends, loved and sacrificed for his family, and was unfailingly generous, accepting and kind to everyone he met. His family will be ever grateful to all who proffered kindness or friendship to him. Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice and devoted caregivers, Susan, Leslie, and Melissa. Charitable donations in Lester's memory may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or School in Port Allen, to Hospice, Cancer Services, or to a favorite charity or church. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.