Howard Lester

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Obituary

Howard D. Lester

Age 63, a resident of Farmington, Arkansas, passed from this life Thursday, August 13, 2020. He was born January 14, 1957 in Lubbock, Texas, the son of the late Walter and Lillie Lester.

Howard was a loving husband of 42 years to his wife Cheryl (Hembree) Lester. He is survived by his sons Dennis Lester and wife Kayla of Pineville, Missouri, Justin Blankenship and his wife Savannah of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and grandchildren Billy Joe and Braxton Blankenship, Georgia “G” Lester and Bella Cate Keenen.

Howard was a 41-year employee of the University of Arkansas. His passion for the Poultry Industry was evident in his work as he demanded perfection. During his tenure at the University, he mentored countless college students in life and careers. Among other industry accolades, Howard was awarded the Poultry Science Association Tyson Foods, Inc. Support Personnel of the Year Award and The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Non-Classified Support Personnel Award.

Howard’s influence within the equine and rodeo industry is far reaching. Whether Howard was competing in events, judging rodeos, or being a mentor, you could always find him at the back of the team roping box, reading the steers, seeing the out, and coaching the aspiring rodeo athletes of yesterday and today.

In keeping with the family tradition, at a young age Howard joined his father on stage as a member of the Boston Mountain Playboys. His love of good music and dedication to perfecting his guitar skills fostered his undeniable musical talents which were enjoyed by many. His ability to recognize and appreciate others’ musical talents led to a multi-generational band and life-long friendships. Most recently, you could even find his grandchildren onstage playing alongside their Papa Howard.

Howard lived his life his own way, and in doing so, he impacted and gained the respect of many. He loved unconditionally and left a legacy that will not be forgotten. To honor that legacy, a Memorial Team Roping and Musical Celebration is being planned for the coming months.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 20, 2020, 4:00-8:00 PM at Luginbuel Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 AM Friday, August 21st, 2020, at Dutch Mills Cemetery in Dutch Mills, Arkansas.

Online guest book, www.luginbuel.com

Funeral Service

Friday, August 21, 2020
10:00 am

Dutch Mills Cemetery.

Visitation

Thursday, August 20, 2020
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Luginbuel Funeral Home.

Final Resting Place

Dutch Mills Cemetery

North, Row 5, Space B

General

Date of Birth: Jan 14, 1957

Date of Death: Aug 13, 2020

Age: 63

Documents

Howard Lester Memorial Folder

Tributes

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Breaks my heart to hear this. I feel like I have known Ribs all my life. One of the few people who still knows me by Sam. His laughter and good heart will be missed. God bless you Cheryl, Dennis and all family.

Kathrine - friend

My thoughts and prayers are with you Cheryl, Dennis and your family. I’ve spent many times listening to the band play and enjoyed every minute of it!! God Bless you guys!!

Michelle Spear - Friend

R.I.L Uncle Howard, you were such an inspiration in my life and some of my most treasured childhood memories are with you and aunt Cheryl and Dennis! I love you and will carry your love with me as i always have! My thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Cheryl and Dennis i love you Both very much!

DeLinda L Tolbert - neice

Thank you Howard for your many lessons and help during my time at UofA. Giving me a hard time but always delivering beyond expectations, impecable work, we are sad that you are leaving us too soon, but we all are in the same path! You always be remembered ??????, RIP dear Howard!

Justina Caldas - Friend

so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm praying for your family

Velvet Holmes - Friend of family

So sadden to see this news. Ribs was a great person,musician, and father and husband. He will be missed by many. Always was there to help when he could. God please be with the family during this time.

Roger& Carol Hulse - Freind

The Agriculture Dept and especially the Poultry and the Animal Science Dept will never be the same without this man. Over the 25+ years we worked together Howard is the one we ALL called on...when an isolation chamber went down ..we called, when the air went off in necropsy,we called,when there was no feed and the study starts in the morning, we called...and he always,always, fixed it or made it.His heart was huge and he loved kids and they loved him...once again he's been called.

patty - friend

Cheryl, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis and Mr. and Mrs. Justin, Gary and I are so sorry for your loss. He was a really good man. I always enjoyed seeing y’all at the rodeo. We are praying the Lord will give you strength and comfort in the difficult days ahead. We will continue to lift you up in our prayers. Sincerely Gary and Sandra Farmer

Sandra Farmer - Friend

Our family has such fond memories of Howard especially at rodeos, the Lincoln Street Dance & social gatherings. Prayers for your family.

Dwain Rigsbee - Friend

I loved playing music with Howard and the guys back in the 80's....Howard was a special Musician and had a huge Heart as well and loved having a good time always. His sense of humor was unmatched. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him...RIP my Brother and may God bless Cheryl and Family.

Gilbert & Donna Bloyed - former band member

Howard made meaningful contributions to the University of Arkansas and all the students who had the opportunity to work with him. He tried to act “tough ‘n gruff,” but he was genuinely a big Teddy Bear. He went out of his way to help anyone. He cared about teaching students. He cared about people. Howard helped me in my grad student path and I will always be grateful for him. And I’ll always appreciate his quick wit and constant sarcasm. Quality human being. Cheryl, Denny, Justin, & your families- I’m so sorry for your loss. It is a privilege to have known Howard.

Malea Frank - Friend & UA student

I want to tell u I love u Howard now I have 2 holes in my heart 1 for u 1 for Terry we all know u were a icon for the world but for me u will always be my big brother u will be forever missed fly high big brother . Do it as close as u can please and thank u so much

Leronda Michelle Brothers - Sister

I was just sitting here thinking, where will I go now with my animals when I need help with whatever animal I have came across trying to save, one of our most like personalities our Love for Animals, R.I.L Big Brother, there are so many reasons your siblings will miss Our BiG Brother!! Love always your sister

Leronda Michelle Brothers - sister

Cheryl, Dennis, Justin and all the family- we are so very, very sorry. Howard was a gentleman, cowboy, musician, and will definitely be missed by many. We pray that God will comfort you and give you peace during this most sorrowful time. Skip and Mary Lynn

Mary Lynn Emmett - Friend

There is so many things I could say about what you mean to me, Howard Dewayne Lester you are my Big Brother, I look up to you, respect you and never went a day of my life that you didn't cross my mind!! You will truly be missed Big Bro, Fly High, I love you more than words can express, give Mama and Terry a hug for me! Love Always your sister Glenda Welch!

Glenda Welch - Sister

From the 4 T ranch we loved Howard and cheryl, Dennis and justin. We will always remember him in our own way. Super man, father, granddad. We will always love yall see yall tomorrow. Whitney loved given yall all those dogs. She loved him too.

Kerrie Thomas - Friend

Cheryl, Dennis, Kayla, Justin, Savannah, kids and families—Our deepest condolences for your loss of Howard. WOW—Heaven gained a remarkable Angel. Our Hearts hurt for you and with you. Praying for Peace and Comfort now and always. Love you all.

Kyle and Betsy Morgan - Friend

Howard was an incredible person. He was always willing to help and teach and I truly looked forward to the days I was able to mix feed at the feed mill with Howard and “the gang”. He taught me so much and for that, I am forever grateful. Howard always had a comment that would make you laugh. He will be greatly missed. Cheryl, Denny, Justin, and all of the Lester’s : you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Aly Gautier - Friend and UA student

So sorry to hear about Howard. Cheryl, Dennis, Kayla, Justin, Savannah, Billy & Braxton...you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs are sent to you all!

Kenny and Pam Villines - co-worker/friend

Wonderful pictures. Howard was one of a kind. I am pretty sure he would give the shirt off his back to help someone. He was respected by so many and had an impact on numerous students and faculty coming through poultry programs. I will miss him. I love seeing all the pictures that demonstrate his love for his family and friends. Rest In Peace Howard.

Casey Owens Hanning - Friend/UAPOSC

There arent really any words to descibe ya Ribs,but man wat an awesome all around cowboy..If anyone had the pleasure to meet this man i guarantee he left a mark and never forgotten..Him and my Mom with her brothers played music together some way back in the day Them Lester Boys WOW.. and the love for children was very abundant with you ole pal..Your gonna be greatly missed..Go play some of that good ole country music up there in Heaven with all your kin folk and prayers to Cheryl and family love yall...

Vernon Conklin - Cousin

I met Howard through my time as a grad student at the U of A. Howard and I had several things in common like a love for rodeo and the Razorbacks. I developed a great respect for Howard. Howard Lester was the epitome of a true cowboy, ruff and gruff on the outside and big and soft hearted on the inside. He was always there to help a student, kid in need, or a cowboy having trouble in the arena or in life. Howard left an indelible mark on the many people he came into contact with. Howard Lester I salute you and hope my life can impact as many lives as yours has!

Danny Bradley - Friend and Former student