Lester R. Yonkers

Lester R. Yonkers, 94, of Lake Odessa, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2012 at his residence. He was born January 12, 1918 in Gaines Township the son of James and Amelia (Kotesky) Yonkers. Lester married Virginia Goodsell on August 18, 1939. He was employed as an electrician and worked at Lake Odessa Machine Products followed by 32 years of service with General Motors before his retirement. Lester was a member of the Sunfield United Brethren Church, member of the Lake Odessa Historical Society, founding member of the Lakewood Choral Society, past member of the Lake Odessa Lions Club, served as Grand Marshall of the Lake Odessa Fair, former 4-H and Cub Scout Leader. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tom Yonkers, grandchildren, Angela Coates McDiarmid and Chris Yonkers; siblings, Edward Yonkers, Violet Miller, Esther McVay and Irving Yonkers. Surviving is his loving wife of nearly 73 years, Virginia Yonkers; daughters, Kay (Gary) Coates and Judy (George) Johnson; son, Jerry (Jan) Yonkers; 14 grandchildren; many great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Terri Yonkers Hildebrand; sister-in-law, Helen Waite. Visitation with the family will be held 5-8 pm on Tuesday and 3-6 pm on Wednesday at Koops Funeral Chapel – Lake Odessa. Funeral services for Lester will be conducted at 1 pm Thursday, preceded by one hour of visitation, at Sunfield United Brethren Church, 8436 Grand Ledge Hwy, Sunfield with Pastor George Speas and Pastor Randy Carpenter, officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Lake Odessa. Memorial contributions in Lester's name may be directed to the Sunfield United Brethren Church, 8436 Grand Ledge Hwy, Sunfield, MI 48890 or Angela Coates McDiarmid Scholarship For the Benefit of The Community School of Music, c/o Barry Community Foundation, 629 W. State St. Suite 201, Hastings, MI 49058. Visitation May 29, 2012 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM May 30, 2012 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Koops Funeral Chapel 935 Fourth Ave. Lake Odessa, MI (616) 374-8221 Funeral Service May 31, 2012 1:00 PM Sunfield United Brethren Church 8436 Grand Ledge Hwy Sunfield, MI Interment Thursday May 31 2012 Lakeside Cemetery 14631 Cemetery Rd Lake Odessa, MI