Lester Helveston ... enjoyed flying remote planes; at 91

ROCHESTER - Lester Helveston, 91, of Rochester died peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at his home with his wife at his side.

He was born on May 1, 1932, in Wilmer, Ala., to Norise and Ruby (Pierce) Helveston.

Lester attended Wilmer High School prior to joining the Air Force, earning his GED while serving his country.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Technical Sergeant. During his time in the Air Force Lester was awarded the National Defense Service Medal along with the Good Conduct Medal.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Lester was employed as a forklift operator at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. It was during this time that he met his wife of 57 years, Jeannine Noel. They moved to California, and it is there where he earned a degree in computer programming, which is a position he held until he retired from the Title Company. Together they shared a love of camping. Some of his other passions included fishing, flying remote airplanes and the Boston Red Sox. But his favorite passion was spending time with his children and his grandkids. He loved deeply and was deeply loved and will be missed by all.

He is predeceased by his parents, brothers Roland, George and son Perry Helveston, sisters Delores Buxton and Margie Cheney.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Jeannine (Noel) Helveston; children Betty Joan Huff of Mobile, AL, David (Theresa) Helveston of Mobile, AL, Michael (Holly) Helveston of New Bloomfield, MO, Barry (Adrian) Helveston of Pensacola, FL, Cheryl Wallis of Rochester, Vicki Pike of Roseville, CA, Debbie (Ritch) Shefke of Auburn, CA; 10 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.