Paul Lester, the son of Leslie Ralph and Lucretia Carol (Harmon) Lester, was born May 21, 1940, in High Creek, Missouri. Paul attended Tarkio High School, Tarkio, Missouri.

On June 15, 1969, Paul was united in marriage to Karen Anne Hoemann in Nebraska City, Nebraska. They made their home in Tarkio and became the parents of four children: John, Lucretia Kay, Duane Paul, and Matthew David.

Paul was employed as a manager for Tri City Concrete, Tarkio, before purchasing the company. He also owned and operated Lester Redi-Mix, Tarkio. Paul then served as Atchison County Road Supervisor until retiring in 2003.

Paul was a member of United Methodist Church, Tarkio, North Star Lodge #157, Rock Port, Missouri, and Moila Shrine and Scottish Rite. He enjoyed playing pool at the Nutrition Center in Tarkio and fishing. He especially loved doing woodwork for his grandchildren. Paul often visited the residents and staff at nursing homes while taking them delicious fish. Paul passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at his home in Tarkio, at the age of 84.

Besides his parents, Paul was preceded in death by wife, Karen Anne Lester; daughter, Lucretia Kay Lester; granddaughter, Karen Arcoseba Lester; and sister, Helen Grace (Junior) Graham. Survivors include children, John (Julianna) Lester and Duane (Sara) Lester, both of Tarkio, and Matthew (Alyssa) Lester, Woodbridge, Virginia; stepson, Ronnie (Trudy) Baker, Fairfax, Missouri; grandchildren, Andrew, Lucretia “Annie”, and Nicholas (Amber) Lester, Anna (Billy) Wallace, Matthew, Willa, Reagan, Jacob, Silas, Jeremiah, Marvel, and John Abraham Lester, Jameson and Greyson Lester, Michael (Katherine) Baker-Rosas, and Kate Baker; great-grandchildren, Treyvin Lester, Makenna, Ethan, and Noah Lester, William and Wesley Wallace, and Waylon James Baker-Rosa.

Per Paul’s request, there will be no visitation or memorial service. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to American Cancer Society. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.