Lester Marlon Romine

Col. Lester Marlon Romine, (USAF Retired) age 91, of Fort Belvoir, Virginia passed away on Thursday March 5, 2020. Lester was born May 10, 1928 in Rogersville, Alabama to J.D. and Katie Bedingfield Romine. Lester had 6 brothers and was raised on a cotton farm. He attended East Lauderdale High School and as well as Auburn University for 2 years before leaving to enlist as an Officer in U.S. Air Force. His military career took him around the World, from the deserts of Saudi Arabia to combat missions in the jungles of Vietnam. He flew stunt planes in a movie, "Toward the Unknown" starring William Holden. Lester served the latter part of his service at Langley Air Force Base and at the Pentagon. He retired in 1977 with 27 years of service and over 150 combat missions. His numerous decorations and medals include the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross and 7 Air medals for combat missions in Vietnam. In 2016, Lester and his daughter, Michele Romine Treacy, co wrote his military biography, "High Flight, Stories of an Air Force Fighter Pilot" (available on Amazon.com) which details his life from his humble beginnings on the family cotton farm to his decorated military career. Lester dedicated the book to his family and to the honorable and vigilant military men and women who sacrifice so much to protect us and to preserve our freedom here and abroad. Lester most recently resided at the The Fairfax in Fort Belvoir Virginia, a senior retirement community for the military. He was predeceased by his wife, Carmella Ann Coppola Romine, who passed away in 1991. Lester is survived by his four children; Christopher (wife Kim), Leslie, Michele Treacy (husband Patrick) and Colin. Lester has 3 grandchildren; Jason Romine, Jack Treacy and Catherine Rose Treacy, as well as his niece Nicolette Stearns Levchenko and her family. A visitation for Lester will be held Sunday, March 15, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. A funeral service will occur Monday, March 16, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. A committal service will occur Monday, March 16, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20906. An entombment will occur at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Sliver Spring, Maryland. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.demainefunerals.com for the Romine family.