Darrell "Peanut" Ray Lester

Darrell “Peanut” Ray Lester, age 85 of Crawfordsville, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Hickory Creek at Crawfordsville.  He was born in New Richmond on April 29, 1934 to the late Raymond & Pauline (Perkins) Lester.

Darrell graduated from New Market High School in 1952 and on February 7, 1953 he married the love of his life, Betty Lou Hester, who preceded him in death on March 26, 2016.  Darrell proudly served his country in the Army National Guard, worked at Mid States Steel and Wire, was a farmer till 1978 and then retired from Etter Ford.  He was an avid reader that loved western novels and enjoyed tractor pulling, mushroom hunting and loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by a son, Dennis (Julie) Lester of Crawfordsville; a daughter, Cindy (Roy) Smith of New Market; two sisters, Elizabeth Gentry of Virginia and Agnes Stafford of Crawfordsville; a sister-in-law, Ruth Lester of Indianapolis; four grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 3 great great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; a brother, James Lester; and a sister, Ruthie Graham.

Cremation was chosen with a graveside service at Indian Creek Hill Cemetery on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 1:00pm with Pastor Tami Mussche officiating.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Indiana Parkinson Foundation, 14350 Mundy Dr. Suite 800 #181, Noblesville, IN 46060 or www.indianaparkison.org.  Sanders Priebe Funeral Care entrusted with care.  Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com