Lester Thompson, 98 of rural Montezuma, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, August 2, 2017 at the Mayflower Care Center in Grinnell. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma. Burial will be held in the Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma. Visitation will begin after 12:00 pm Friday, August 4, 2017 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Memorials may be made to the Montezuma Fire Department and Ambulance Service or Grinnell Regional Hospice. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of arrangements.

Lester William Thompson, the son of Walter "Howard" and Sylvia (Tish) Thompson, was born on June 21, 1919 west of Montezuma. He attended Pleasant #6 Country School near Montezuma. Lester was married to Opal Sanders. To this union four children were born, Gerri, Mary, Esther and Raymond. A lifelong farmer, Lester began farming with his father north of Montezuma and eventually farmed on his own for nearly 60 years. He raised horses, cattle, hogs, chickens, ducks and sheep. He also worked at the Montezuma Sale Barn for over 30 years. Following Opal's death in 1984, Lester was united in marriage to Zadie Meldrem Ross. Lester was a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed dancing and playing cards. Lester was a member of the Farm Bureau for over 50 years.

Lester was survived by his children, Gerri (Don) Malcolm of Montezuma, Mary (Junior) Simpson of Hartwick, Esther (Chuck) Van Zante of Pella and Raymond (Connie) Thompson of Montezuma; 14 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren with two on the way and many other nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Opal Thompson and Zadie Thompson; special friend, Nina Current; two brothers, Harold Thompson and Ray Thompson and a sister, Ferne Slagle.