COELLO – Lester A. Ramsey, 88, formerly of Johnston City, passed away at 10:17 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.
He was born Dec. 12, 1928, in Mulkeytown to Charles Lyle and Myrtle Lucy (Pharis) Ramsey. He was married to Rose (Hampton), who survives; he also was married to Erma (Vick) Ramsey, who preceded him in death.
Les was retired, having served as street superintendent for the city of Johnston City for many years. He also retired from the Illinois Central Railroad as a brakeman and conductor.
He worked in many different fields, as a real estate realtor, home builder, truck driver and mechanic. He first started driving a truck for his neighbor at the age of 14.
Les served his country honorably. He served in the U.S. Army from 1946-1950 and was a member of American Legion Post 147 of Marion. He also was a member of AFSME and Saline River Fishing Club since 1984.
An avid sportsman, Les enjoyed hunting and fishing. He donated hundreds of pounds of catfish fillets to churches for money-making projects over the years. He loved to talk and told many detailed stories.
His favorite thing was going on cruises with his family. He was looking forward to a planned cruise to the Panama Canal in the spring. He also enjoyed dickering with the merchants in the Caribbean Islands.
Survivors include his wife, Rose Ramsey of Coello; five children, Greg (Carol) Ramsey of Lee's Summit, Missouri, Gary (Sue) Ramsey of Mulkeytown, Glen (Barbara) Ramsey of Kansas City, Tina (Tom) Dennis of Gainesville, Florida, and Lisa Ramsey-Gilbert of Zeigler; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Charles Ramsey of Akin; brother-in-law, Jimmy (Donette) Dean of Johnston City; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Reba Lefler and Esther Iles.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, in Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City. Interment will follow in Mulkeytown Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 528 of Christopher and members of the Illinois National Guard Military Honors Team. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at the funeral home.
For additional information, to sign the book of memories or light a candle, visit www.pylefuneralhome.com.
