Jack K. Lester

Jack K. Lester, of Indian Wells, Navajo County, Arizona passed away following a lengthy illness, November 24, 2012 in Payson, Gila County, Arizona. He was 77. Jack was born to the late Abel and Cleo (Thomas) Lester in Indian Wells, Arizona on August 18, 1935. A true "Cowboy", when he was younger Jack loved to participate in rodeos and in his later years he still attended as many as he could. He was very proud of his traditional culture and was always early to rise so that he could go to the east and say his traditional prayers while singing along with them. He had many extended nieces and nephews who loved to sit on his lap and listen to him sing to them. Jack attended the Seventh Day Adventist School in Holbrook, Arizona before leaving and working for the Union Pacific and Santa Fe Railroads with his brother, Dick. It was there that he was able to travel to many states back east as well as California and Nevada. Following his time for the railroad he moved back to Indian Wells and married the love of his life, Helen Bichitty. A very sharp dressed man, Jack always wanted to look his best. He was very prideful of his family and the many accomplishments that they made. He was especially proud of his 4 grandchildren serving in the military. An avid cook many will remember the wonderful meals he prepared. Jack will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends who loved him. He is survived by his wife, Helen of Indian Wells, Arizona; children, Delores Thomas of Holbrook, Arizona, Arnold Lester of Indian Wells, Arizona, Ruth Lester of Prescott Valley, Arizona, Donald (Doris Tsiapi) Lester of Phoenix, Arizona and Vivian (Randae) Nelson of Phoenix, Arizona; 23 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; sisters, Gloria Morris, Elizabeth (Johnny) Salabye and Eleanor (James) Turquoise of Indian Wells, Arizona; brothers, Dick Lester Sr. and Arthur (Daisy) Lester of Indian Wells, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marshall, Morgan and Jerry Lester and a nephew, Adrian Salabye. Funeral services will be held 10:30AM Thursday, November 29, 2012 at the Holbrook Pentecostal Church of God, 823 Mission Lane, Holbrook, Arizona with a viewing beginning at 9:00AM. Interment will follow in the Holbrook Cemetery, Holbrook, Arizona.