Lester Dancer, 82, of Whitefield, went home to be with the Lord Sept. 11, surrounded by his loving family.
Lester was born May 16, 1926 in Clarksburg, N.J., son of Charles H. and Sadie Britton Dancer.
He spent his early years in New Jersey, moving to Maine in 1940. He married the love of his life, Louise Russell in Richmond on May 17, 1952. They have three children, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Lester was a kind, loving man, who was always ready to joke and tease. He loved harness racing and owned and trained many horses over the years. His favorite horses were Colby Eden, Barber Ray, Smokey Joe, Penequid Song and Winsome Frisco.
He loved his family more than anything else in the world and spent a lot of time with his children and grandchildren and taught them the importance of family, friends, honesty and hard work. He was always available if his children needed someone to babysit or pick the grandchildren up from school or other activities and never complained or asked for anything in return.
Lester worked at Bath Iron Works for many years, first as a Shipfitter and then as an All Trades Inspector, retiring in 1991.
Following his retirement he and Louise spent winters in Lakeland, Fla. for several years. He loved the warm weather and especially enjoyed his fruit trees. When he returned to Maine in the summer, he had a large garden and loved to give the crops to family and friends.
Lester had a strong faith in the Lord and was a member of the Lakeland Memorial Baptist Church. After returning to Maine he attended Windsor Memorial Baptist Church as often as he was able to. He also a member of the American Legion, the United States Trotting Association, the Maine Harness Racing Association and the Windsor Fair Association.
He was predeceased by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, Charles and Mildred Russell; brother, John Dancer; sisters, Sadie Knapp and Helen Cole, and brother-in law Robert Russell.
He is survived by his wife Louise; son, Lester Charles and wife Bethany of Whitefield; daughter, Linda Louise of Vassalboro; son, Larry James and wife Susan of Windsor; grandson, Lester and wife Carrie and their children Emma, Logan and Ava of Whitefield; granddaughter, Bobbi Lin and children Liang Zhi and Jada of Pittston; granddaughter, Chrissy Dancer and companion Dan Thompson and her children Ricky and Landon of Chelsea; granddaughter, Lauren Dancer of Windsor; sister, Melvina Thompson; sister-in-law, Hellen Dancer; brother-in-law, Phillip Russell and wife Barbara; sisters-in-law, Beverly Trask and husband Gareth, Gloria Bailey and husband Charles, and Dorothy Bodge and husband Ronald; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and his beloved dog Mitzy.
Gathering of family and friends 6-8 p.m., Tues., Sept. 16 at Windsor Memorial Baptist Church on Rt. 32 in Windsor.
Funeral services 1 p.m., Wed., Sept. 17 at Windsor Memorial Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to Windsor Memorial Baptist Church or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.
