Lester L. Painter

Lester L. Painter, 84, of Hoagland, Indiana passed away on June 21, 2020 at his residence.

He was born on August 26, 1935 in Willshire, Ohio, the son of the late Oliver Painter and the late Jennie (Tinkham) Painter. Lester was united in marriage to Nancy J. Baumgartner on September 18, 1954 at the First Baptist Church in Decatur and she survives.

Lester was a lifelong farmer. He was a die sinker at International Harvester in Ft. Wayne, IN. Following the closure of Harvester, Lester worked at ITT as an EDM operator until his retirement.

He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, Indiana where he had served as an elder. He was also a former member of St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock, rural Monroeville and First Baptist Church in Decatur.

Lester enjoyed farming, riding his bicycle (often accompanied by Nancy) and basketball, still holding the record of highest points scored in one game in Decatur (38 points against Decatur Catholic in 1953). He also enjoyed spending time with his family and attending any of their activities.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy J. Painter of Hoagland, Indiana; daughter, Terry Lynne (David) Williams of San Antonio, Texas; four sons, L. Gary (Judy) Painter, DDS of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Chris Eric Painter of Hoagland, Indiana, David Dean (Julie) Painter, DDS of Auburn, Indiana, and James Todd (Rachael) Painter of Berne, Indiana; 12 grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jill Kristene Painter; a sister, Audrey Reinhart; and four brothers, Harold, Clarence, Donald, & Doyle Painter.

No public services will be held. A private family service will be held at the Decatur Cemetery.

Preferred memorials can be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church – New Haven.