Donald Lee Lester, age 71, of Abingdon, Va., passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at Johnston Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born June 10, 1945, in Washington County, Va., to the late Ira Thomas Lester and Mildred Branch Lester. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Billy Lester and Charlie Branch; two sisters, Lorene Woodward and Betty Thomas and one brother-in-law, John Woodward.

Don was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Va., he attended Holston Elementary School and Greendale High School before graduating from John S. Battle High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army during which time he was stationed in Germany and also served in Korea. Don was an employee of Food County USA where he had worked for over 40 years. He attended Carvosso United Methodist Church.

Survivors include one step-daughter, Melinda Worley and husband Paul Wayne of Abingdon; one step-granddaughter, April Tittle and husband Michael of Bluff City, Tenn.; two step-great grandchildren, Mason and Abbie; three brothers, Roger Lester and wife Annette, Wayne Lester and wife Deborah and Jerry Lester and wife Gail all of Abingdon; one sister, Alice Clawson and husband Jimmy of Catawba, NC; one step-brother, C.D. Kestner and wife Mildred of Abingdon; one brother-in-law, Yokley Thomas of Glade Spring, Va.; and two sisters-in-law, June Lester and Annette Branch both of Abingdon. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of the CCU Unit at Johnston Memorial Hospital for the care they provided.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 24, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Knollkreg Memorial Park with Rev. Leonard Smith officiating. Military honors will be performed by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the Virginia National Guard. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to gather at the cemetery by 1:45 p.m. The family is honoring his wishes and there will be no visitation prior to the service.

Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews, all employees of Food Country USA and his dear friends, Charlie and Don Henderson.

The family will be gathering at the home of Jerry Lester where friends may visit at any time.