Lester E. Crider, Jr., passed away on Thursday, August 3, at Providence Medical Center after a lengthy battle with various health problems and other aggravations. Lester was born in Odessa, Texas, to Lester, Sr., and Pauline Crider.
Lester is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda. They were married in Hanna, Oklahoma. Lester is lovingly remembered by two children Clarinda (David) Lollar and Joel (Sandra) Crider; grandchildren Ryman, Zella, Dante (Airyana), Deja (Jaylen), Darius (Claudia), Spencer (Kennedy), Alex, Madison, and Makensie; one special great-grandchild Paisley; siblings Dennis (Phyllis), Cathy, Sally (Dave), John, and many nieces and nephews. Lester was preceded in death by his parents.
Lester moved to Wichita as a young child and graduated from West High. A graduate of Oklahoma Christian College, Lester had a long career with the Social Security Administration in Kansas City until he retired in 2003. He was a long-time member of West Side Church of Christ.
Lester preferred things to be simple and practical. He loved history, politics, and Kansas. He enjoyed sports and coached his son’s teams for many years. He was a guitar player and played with many groups in local venues. He loved picking with other retirees, his brother Dennis, and the Porterfield boys. Lester usually had a book and a cup of coffee in his hand. He could have a knowledgeable conversation about anything and was happy to “tell you another thing about it.” To honor Les’ memory, sit down with a cup of coffee and read a book.
A visitation for Lester will be held Monday, August 7, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Chapel Hill - Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, KS 66112, followed by a funeral services at 2:30 PM.
Lester will be laid to rest in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, Kansas 66112.
Serving as pallbearers are Joel Crider, David Lollar, Dante Crider, Darius Crider, Ryman Lollar and Spencer Frank.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-butler.com for the Crider family.