Damond Edward Lester

Damond was born on January 1, 1936, in Bluefield, West Virginia, to Lonnie M. and Bessie Mae Robinette Lester. He attended Wade Junior High School and Beaver High School but left school early to enlist in the United States Army in February 1954. While in the military, Damond had the opportunity to travel overseas to Germany, Ethiopia, Dominican Republic, Korea, Vietnam, and Okinawa. He led a distinguished military career serving as NCOIC of several key positions and achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7). Furthermore, he was chosen to attend the Senior NCO Academy at Fort Devens. Damond received the following awards and medals throughout his military career: Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star (2), Campaign Medals for service in Germany, Korea, Vietnam, and the Dominican Republic, Certificate of Achievement Award (4), Good Conduct Medal (4), and Meritorious Service Medal. His final assignment was in San Antonio, Texas, as a Flight Supervisor before retiring from the military in 1977.

Following his military retirement, Damond earned an associate degree in air conditioning and heating from St. Philip’s College in San Antonio and was then employed as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in 1979. He retired after nearly 20 years of dedicated service and received the following awards during his tenure: Carrier of the Month Award (2), Certificate of Retirement, and Service Award in recognition of more than 30 years of government service.

Damond, affectionately known as Les to his close friends and family, played both basketball and football in junior high and football in high school. Over the years, he enjoyed bowling and watching professional sports with his favorite teams being the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Cowboys.

Damond is survived by his wife of 47 years, Deniece Butenhoff Lester; son, Philip Lester and his wife, Geralann; daughter, Jane Lester; step-daughter, Laura Peterson; grandchildren, Katrina Peterson, Zachary Lester, Morla Lester, and Ezekiel Mullins; and sister, Linda Lester Boswell. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mildred Lester Cole; and brother, Dennis Lester.

Damond will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation and viewing will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary North from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2020. Burial ceremony with full military honors will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:30 AM on Friday, October 16, 2020. Attendance to the ceremony will be limited to family and close friends. Expressions of sympathy can be made in the form of floral arrangements from Heavenly Floral Designs or memorial contributions to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

Service was livestreamed and can be viewed below: