Donald Ray Lester

A Memorial Mass for Donald Ray Lester, 86, of Era, is scheduled for 10:00 AM Friday, January 20, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Joseph Keating officiating.  Inurnment will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.  A rosary followed by a visitation will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.

Mr. Lester passed away December 26, 2022 in Gainesville.  He was born December 24, 1936 in Gainesville to Kenneth Clay and Adelia Bedie (Burkhart) Lester.

Don graduated from Gainesville High School in 1955.  He attended Cooke County College (NCTC) and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Husbandry from Texas A&M in 1961.  From 1961 to 1963 he served in the US Navy Mobile Construction Battalion (Sea Bees) and was located in Kodiak Alaska, Midway Island, and Port Hueneme, CA.  He was a director and First Vice President of the Gainesville Jaycees.

Mr. Lester married Sara Ann Fleitman at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on February 15, 1969.  He owned and operated Don Lester Insurance for many years and has spent most of his life farming.  He was a loyal fan and really enjoyed attending A&M Football games with Sara.  For over a decade he attended a beef cattle short course at A&M and took this as an opportunity to catch up with old friends and Reminisce.

Don also relished in attending rodeos.  He attended many rodeos during his life, from his days at A&M to attending the NFR National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas with Sara.  He was a loving husband, father, and a doting grandfather.

Mr. Lester is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sara Lester of Muenster, daughter and son-in-law Donna K. and Chad Bailey of Dallas; grandchildren Bruno and Ella; nieces Lisa and Amie; numerous cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marge Felderhoff, and niece Lynn Dangelmayr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VFW, your local volunteer fire dept., or Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke and Fannin Counties.