Marvin Emory Lester, 91, of Christiansburg, passed away Monday, May 6, 2019 at the Kroontje Healthcare Center in Blacksburg. Born March 4, 1928, he was a U. S. Navy veteran and a master craftsman who built furniture, interior woodwork, clocks and various crafts. Wherever he lived, he was a servant in his community. He served on Pulaski town council and helped construct houses with Habitat for Humanity. As president of the Kiwanis Club in the early 1980s, he envisioned and helped develop the gazebo in Radford’s Bisset Park. He was a servant in the Church. He faithfully served in Grove United Methodist Church, started and led church services at a Claytor Lake campground, and was instrumental in bringing Walk to Emmaus to the New River Valley. God used Marvin to bless and touch many lives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Nannie Weddle Lester; and his brothers, Ray and Arnold.
Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Betty Jo Lester of Christiansburg; son Mel Lester and wife Dena of Shawsville; son Jay Lester and wife Michele of Christiansburg; grandchildren, Chelsea, Joelle, Hannah, Kellen, Ellery, Shaye and Ellen; and 7 great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Grove United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Kilbourne officiating. Interment will be private.
The Lester family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
