Lester L. Lightner

Lester L. Lightner , 97, passed away peacefully on Monday morning February 24, 2025 at his home. He was born in Brent, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania on February 6, 1928 the son of Ivan and Davina (Williamson) Lightner.

Lester was a 1946 graduate of Liberty High School in Churchill and honorably served in the United States Army as a Corporal in the 8th Army headquarters in Japan. Following his service, he graduated from ATES and ICS in drafting and tool design. He began his career with Miele Engineering as a draftsman and checker followed by Brainard Strapping as a development engineer and tool designer. He retired in 1994 from Copperweld Steel Company as a project engineer, with 19 years of service. He was a past member of the Association of Iron & Steel Engineers (A.I.S.E.)

Lester married the love of his life Ann P. Panfile on August 16, 1963 in the United Presbyterian Church of New Bedford, Pennsylvania by Rev. Fred J. Lenk. He joined First Baptist Church of Niles, Ohio in 1966 where he served as chairman of the Trustee Board, Financial Secretary and Usher. He relocated to Christ Memorial Baptist Church of Warren, Ohio in 1978 where he served as chairman of the Trustee Board, Financial Secretary and head Usher. He came back to First Baptist Church of Niles in 1995 where he served as an usher and was a member of Pastor's Prayer Partners.

He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Lester was preceded in death by his wife Ann P. (Panfile) Lightner who passed away on July 22, 2013; son Gary William Lightner who died on November 4, 2003; brother, Harold Lightner and sister, Betty Walter.

The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday March 3, 2025 at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home where family and friends may call one hour prior to the service. Rev. G. Ben Reed will officiate. A private burial will be in Kerr Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church 26 East Church Street, Niles, Ohio 44446.

Arrangements by Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home 126 West Park Avenue, Niles, Ohio 44446 330-652-4311.