Lester George Cantrell

Lester George Cantrell, son of the late Lester Bert and Catherine Evelyn (Morse) Cantrell, was born on October 2, 1943 in Manes, Missouri, and departed this life on October 5, 2014 at his home in Mountain Grove. He was 71 years and 3 days of age.

Lester grew up in Manes, Missouri. He later married Mary Jo Leach, and three children were born to this union. On June 12, 1974, Lester was united in marriage to Linda Jane Cook. Two children were born to this union.

Lester worked at a sawmill for a few years and later worked at Brown Shoe Company before he moved to Bakersfield, California, where he worked for several years. He later moved back to Mountain Grove and worked at Brown Shoe Company for another 27 years, retiring in 1996.

Lester enjoyed working in his leather shop making handmade leather boots. He also did small engine repair and was an all-around handyman. Lester enjoyed fishing and was crazy about his grandchildren.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents: Lester Bert and Catherine Evelyn (Morse) Cantrell; two brothers-in-law: John Cook and Jr. Manning; and one sister-in-law: Alice Irene Manning.

Lester is survived by his wife of 40 years: Linda Jane Cantrell of the home; two sons: Adam Cantrell and his wife, Jade, of Springfield, Missouri, and Leslie Hemm of Iowa City, Iowa; three daughters: Mandy Cantrell of Springfield, Missouri, Sharon Kay Vargus of Muskatine, Iowa, and Bobbie Webb of Ozark, Missouri; one brother: Tommy Cantrell and his partner, Lonnie, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; one sister: Judy Gaddis and her husband, Larry, of Morrisville, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren: Jason, Eric, Samantha, J.R., Taylor, Evan, Jaden, Tucker, Spencer, Chase, Kris, Kady, Baylee, Alyiah, Jaben, and Dacian; and several great-grandchildren who will miss him greatly.


Visitation: Wednesday, October 8, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.

Graveside Service: Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery.

Burial: Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, North of Cabool, Missouri.