Lester M. Williams, well known Mt. Vernon carpenter and pastor of the Moore's Prairie Baptist Church, died at 3:30 pm yesterday at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Mr. Williams, who resided on the Salem Road, was suddenly stricken ill five days ago and was rushed to the hospital. He was 45 years, eight months and 15 days of age.

Mr. Williams, a junior deacon at the Logan Street Baptist Church, started serving as pastor of the Moore's Prairie Church last month.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm at the Logan Street Baptist Church. The Rev. Otho Williams will officiate and burial will be in Hopewell Cemetery. The body will remain at Myers Chapel, where friends may call after 4:00 pm today. At noon Friday the body will be moved to the church to lie in state until the funeral hour.

Mr. Williams was born February 5, 1909 in Bonnie, the son of Otis and Iva (Arnold) Williams.

On November 23, 1929 he was married in Mt. Vernon, to Dorothy Carpenter, who survives.

Mr. Williams was a member of Carpenters Local No. 999.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otis Williams of Mt. Vernon; one son, Jerry Bob Williams of Mt. Vernon; one daughter, Nancy Ellen, at home; one sister, Mrs. Carl Herron of Wentzville, Mo.; and one grandchild.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: October 20, 1954
Submitted by: Ken Richardson