JJC Professor Emeritus Paul Lester Dead at 98

Paul Frederick Lester

Age 98, born October 17, 1915, in Chicago, IL. Passed away peacefully Thursday, December 12, 2013, with his family by his side at Joliet Area Community Hospice.

Preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Emily Lester and two brothers, Victor and Edison Lester.

Survived by his wife Katherine Lester and three daughters, Paula Lester and Carolyn Lester of Chicago and Nancy Sitton of Portland, Oregon.

As a longtime resident of Joliet, Professor Emeritus Paul Lester enjoyed a teaching career that spanned from 1946 to 1980. In 1964, he transitioned to professor of History and Social Sciences at JJC, and was recently inducted into the Susan H. Wood Hall of Fame.

Prior to JJC, Paul was the choral director at Joliet Township High School. During that time he became well known in the community for his operetta productions, Christmas Vespers programs, and solo performances at the Rialto Theater. He was an honorary Director of the Joliet Township High School Choir Alumni Association.

Paul was a graduate of the University of Illinois-Champaign Class of ’41. He received both a B.S. and M.S. from the U of I and a master of arts degree from Northern Illinois University. He proudly served in World War II as a U.S. Army/Air Force instructor.

He was an active participant within the church community, serving as choir director of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Central Presbyterian Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Paul was a recent member of the Adult Fellowship organization, Education Committee, and Stephen Minister at First Presbyterian Church.

His professional affiliations included the Joliet Area Historical Society, Joliet Federation of Musicians Local 37, and the Illinois Retired Teachers Association.

In addition to music, Paul had an avid interest in the fine arts – painting and gardening. He shared these gifts with friends and colleagues over the years.

Visitation Saturday, January 25, at First Presbyterian Church, 805 Western Ave. in Joliet from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Private interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date.

Donations to the Paul F. Lester Music Scholarship Fund may be sent to the JJC Foundation, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431.