Lester M. Richey

Mr. Richey was born and raised on a farm during the Depression Era. When he was sixteen, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked to conserve national forests. After his enrollment in the CCC ended, he began working in a shoe factory in Festus, Missouri, where he met his loving wife, Mary. At 31, Lester was drafted into the military to serve during World War II. Upon his discharge from the United States Army, he worked at Dow Chemical Company in Madison, Illinois until his retirement in 1981. Lester then began his own business repairing appliances in Festus, Missouri until he and his wife moved to Granite City, Illinois in 2007.

Lester was a loving husband to Mary for 78 years. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather who enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors, especially with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Richey is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Edward and Clara, nee Yamnitz, Richey; one brother, Harry Richey; and three sisters, Mae Richey, Marie Richey and Edna Richey.

Surviving is his wife, Mary, nee Davis, Richey; sons, Larry (Sandra), Grant and David (Cathy) Richey; his grandchildren, Mark (Karen), Daquiri, David S. (Donna Santiago), Todd (Sheila), and Travis (Kathleen) Richey; great-grandchildren, Sam, Kelsey, Marissa, Nick, Ashley, Madison, Noelle, Preston and Landon Richey; and his niece, Colleen Sharp.

Donations in Lester's memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans. Memories and expressions of condolences may be offered at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com

Friends may call from 10-11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Illinois. Funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois.