Richard “Dick” Lester, 76, passed away peacefully at home, November 7, 2021, at 4:06 am.

Dick was born to Ruth and Charles Lester. Dick graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Ball State University. He married his high school sweetheart Judy, with whom he celebrated 57 years of marriage this last August. Dick was a devoted husband, supportive father/grandfather, fisherman, and loved sports. He greatly enjoyed coaching youth sports as well.

Dick was an incredible athlete growing up in Lafayette. Most notably, he was named an All-American Football Player for Lafayette Jeff in 1963. He was also recognized as the States Football Scoring Leader that same year. He went on to play 4 years of football at Ball State on a full athletic scholarship and he was later inducted into the BSU Athletic Hall of Fame with his 1965 undefeated team. He was invited to play for the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent but returned to Lafayette after his father had passed away unexpectedly. He took over his father’s company, Lester Radiator for nearly 30 years. He then worked at Kirby Risk in the Inside Sales Department before retiring to Florida with Judy, to be near his son, Rick. There he worked as an election official, a crossing guard for Polk County Sheriff’s Department, and part time at Sears. Later in life, he returned to Lafayette, where he worked at Advanced Auto Parts.

Dick loved eating out, taking little trips, and visiting Florida. He loved going to his grandchildren’s events and was proud of all of them. He greatly enjoyed fishing, belonging to the Bass Clubs and competing in numerous events.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Charles Lester; and his daughter-in-law, Cathy Farrell Lester.

He is survived by his wife Judy; daughter, Carrie (Lester) Ernst and her husband John; daughter, Christine Lester; and son, Rick Lester; 5 grandchildren, Billy, Dylan, Matt, Teresa, Ethan, and Zack; brothers, Michael (Gail) Lester of Garland, TX, Randy (Noreen) Lester of Winterhaven, FL; 2 sisters, Linda Zufall of Oxford, IN and Karen (Larry) Terry of Lafayette.

Abiding by Dick’s wishes, he requested to forego services.