Lester Paul Wilson

Lester Paul Wilson, 75, passed away on August 2, 2026.

Lester was born on April 20, 1951, in Toledo, Ohio, passed away on August 2, 2026. He was the son of Paul Wilson and Doris Jones Wilson.

Lester proudly served in the U.S. Army after high school, including a tour in Vietnam from 1971-1972, where he earned the Bronze Star. He dedicated 20 years to military service, with postings both domestically and internationally in the Netherlands and Germany.

Lester married Maria Cruz Hernandez on December 7, 1973, and they were blessed with two daughters, Tina Marie and Mariya Nicole. Though their marriage later ended, their shared love for their children remained.

He married Ramona Gerhardt in 1988 and they later divorced in 1994.

Following his military retirement in Hawaii, Lester worked as a semi-truck driver before relocating to Idaho. In Idaho, he found great fulfillment working in the maintenance department for the Blaine County School District, particularly cherishing his role in building playgrounds for local elementary schools. He retired in 2016 and later moved to Pocatello, Idaho, in 2020.

Lester was known for his meticulous nature and his passion for various artistic endeavors. He was an avid gardener, a talented artist who excelled in Bavarian Folk painting, acrylics, and dot mandalas. His creative spirit also extended to egg carving, pottery, stained glass, quilting, jewelry design, and leather stamping. He was generously gifted his artistic creations to friends and family.

He is survived by his daughters, Tina (Imre) Tordai of Nolanville, Texas, and Mariya (Craig) Yadon of Pocatello, Idaho; his sister, Adele (Gary) Griffin of Adrian, Michigan; his brother, Scott (Beth) McCullough of Cristfield, Maryland; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Lester was preceded in death by his father, Paul F. Wilson; his mother, Doris M. McCullough; and his sisters, Donna J. Wilson and Marlane Overcashier.

Visitation will be held on August 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Purpose Center, 224 North Union Pacific Avenue, Pocatello, ID, 83204. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location. A graveside service will take place at 2:00 PM on August 7, 2026, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 2651 Cromwell Lane, Blackfoot, ID, 83221.

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