Lester, Kenneth George, born 07/28/1927 passed away 05/07/2026 at home with family surrounding him. Ken was born in Grindstone, MI to Clyde and Bessie Lester. After his freshman year in college he joined the US Navy as a corpsman/medic during the Korean War and served on the FD Roosevelt, the first naval aircraft carrier to be named for a US president.

After getting out of the Navy, Ken and Betty Jean Wood were married in Hampton VA on May 16, 1954, just shy of 72 years ago!

They lived in his hometown of Port Huron, MI for a time while Ken attended community college and worked for the railroad. After the birth of their first daughter, Carol; he moved the family to Berrien Springs, MI to attend EMC now known as Andrews University where he studied history.

In 1956 they moved south to Virginia and worked at the shipyard in Newport News for two years. Ken was offered a new job and joined the team of real estate appraisers in Hampton.

With additional education and certifications he was hired to be the senior appraiser for the City of Waynesboro in 1970 and a few years later appointed by the Waynesboro City Council as Assessor. A position he continued to hold until he retired in 1989.

He was very accomplished in his profession and held the title in 1980 of President of the Virginia Association of Assessing Officers. He also held an office and was a lifetime member of the International Association of Assessing Officers.

Ken was born into an Adventist home. Since August 1970 he has been a faithful and active member in the Waynesboro Seventh day Adventist Church here in town.

Survived by his wife of almost 72 years, Betty Jean, oldest daughter Carol (David) Elliott of Waynesboro, middle daughter Colleen (Todd) Johnson of Bay St Louis, MS, and youngest daughter, Vickie (David) O'Guin of Winder, GA, as well as 7 grandkids, 9 great grandkids, and one younger brother, Billy Lester of Port Huron, MI.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Monday evening at McDow Funeral Home.

Family burial will take place Tuesday in Riverview Cemetery at 11:00 am.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sabbath, May16th, his 72nd Wedding Anniversary, at 2:30 pm.

The gleam in his eye, his welcoming smile and Ken's strong family leadership will be greatly missed!