Lester Leroy "Les" Witcher

January 22, 1937 – March 6, 2011

Lester Leroy Witcher joined his heavenly Father on Sunday, March 6, 2011.

Les was a devoted husband, father, and leader in his church and community. He led an extremely active life and was passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Throughout his professional career, he promoted sports and recreation activities and is known in the community, across the state, and nation for creating and managing innovative programs such as Lake Watch, Don’t Mess with Texas Rivers & Lakes, swift water rescue and personal watercraft safety training and regulations, and establishing numerous community parks, pools, & recreation facilities. The communities of San Antonio, Austin, Lubbock, Lake Jackson, and Clute, Texas continue to reap the benefits of his devoted service as Parks and Recreation Superintendent & Director. Lester then turned his talents & energy to managing and operating the family dance and gymnastics studio in Lake Jackson. He moved back to the Austin area in 1986 and devoted the remainder of his professional career to serve the community through his work at LCRA, retiring in 2001.

Les served as a lifetime member of the Austin chapter of football officials and spent over 36 years of officiating football, basketball, baseball, softball, track & field & other sports events. He served as a member of the National Safe Boating Council and was a veteran of the United States Army.

He was devoted to serving his Lord. His spiritual walk included active involvement & leadership roles with the Emmaus Community, Kairos Prison ministry, Stephen Ministry, and the Lakeway Church.

Les was preceded in death by his father, Ewing Lester Witcher, and is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Betsye Witcher, of Spicewood, TX; his mother, Mary Lou Witcher of Corpus Christi, TX; sister, Margaret Brunkenhoefer, & her husband Robert; of Corpus Christi, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Terri & Norman Seifert, of Houston, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Todd Smith; son and daughter-in-law, Rick & Kristin Witcher, of Cedar Park, TX; seven grandchildren, Brandon Williamson, Dustin Witcher, Tyler Smith, Nicholas Smith, Adam Seifert and his wife Amy, Sarah Seifert, and Caleb Witcher; and two great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Mathew Seifert.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Wednesday, March 9 at 2PM at The Lakeway Church, 2203 Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway, TX 78734. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Lakeway Church building fund or your favorite charity.