Lester Lee Williams passed from this life Sept. 14, 2007, in Benton.

Born March 6, 1915, in rural Jefferson County near Elk Prairie Township, Lester finished the 11th grade at Nason High School. Shortly thereafter, he participated in the CCCP, joining the National Guard upon returning to Mt. Vernon.

During World War II, Lester was a supervisor in a munitions plant in Joliet. Upon his return to Mt. Vernon, he worked for the Mt. Vernon Neon Sign Co. and then for the Jefferson County Housing Authority, from which he retired.

Lester was a lifelong member of the Mt. Vernon Masonic Lodge and furthered his knowledge and service in Masonry, with degrees from the Scottish Rite, the York Rite and the Shrine. He was very proud of his service as a teacher and officer in the Masonic orders.

He was preceded in passing by his wife, Aline, and son Jerry.

Survivors include his son Donnie (Julie) Williams of Phoenix, Ariz., and daughter Michelle (Hugh) Sigwerth of Ina; grandsons Darrell (Lisa) and Paul Sigwerth, Daniel (Emily), Kenneth (Michele), Eric and Scott Williams; granddaughter Dawn (Michael) Larson; and nine great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Johnston Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. A viewing will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Lester will be buried next to his wife, Aline, in Abner Cemetery, Nason.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: September 15, 2007
Submitted by: Cindy Ford