Lester Ethington

Lester Darien Ethington our beloved Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 3, 2011 at the home of daughter Kristy Hall, after a courageous battle with Melanoma at the age of 79.

He was born on January 13, 1931 in Shelbyville, KY to James William Ethington and Zenna Kartchner Ethington. Dad was raised on a dairy farm in Chandler AZ. where he learned the importance of integrity and hard work. There he excelled in academics and various sports during high school.

Dad later served a mission to the Southern states, for the LDS Church. Upon completion Dad joined the United States Air Force in which he served honorably for 30 years. Some of his various ranks included Drill Sergeant, Civil Engineer, Chief Master Sergeant, and Reserves. While in the reserves he attended the University of Utah and received his Bachelors degree in Business Administration. He also drove for Greyhound Bus Lines before retiring. In both the military and Greyhound he developed his love of traveling the world and made dear friendships. Dad married Sheila Anderson Ethington in 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple. Although they moved various places Bountiful is where they would settle to raise their family. His true love Sheila preceded him in death in August of 2008. Dad was a wonderful Father to 10 children. All whom he loved dearly and wanted the very best for in life. Dad loved the gospel and served in various callings throughout his life including a temple worker at the Bountiful Temple. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to joke with all. He enjoyed the earth and had a deep love for gardening and his fruit trees. Dad was a true patriot, and always reflected on his military service. A tear would easily come when he spoke of country, service, and patriotism. He held an immense gratitude for those serving our country and instilled this love in his children. He learned to love music with Mom and especially military songs. He could be heard daily singing Off we go into the wild Blue yonder. However his favorite song of all was the hymn named The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Dad you are loved and missed dearly. You fought a good fight and this world is a better place because you were here. Love you Daddy! Dad is survived by his ten children and their spouses Tamie Rodke, Richard and Brendan Ethington, Michele and Craig Dewsnup, Sandra and Mike Kilian, Jayne and Steve Barrow, Reggie and Maggie Ethington, Darien and Rebecca Ethington, Leslie Ethington, Layne Ethington, Kristy and Tom Hall and brother William Kenneth Ethington as well as 33 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved eternal companion Sheila Anderson Ethington, Brothers William Erastus Ethington and Elden Floyd Ethington, Parents William and Zenna Ethington and son-in-law Robert Rodke. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the amazing people at Huntsman Cancer Institute for the exceptional love, friendship and care of Dad. He loved you all dearly.

Friends may call at the viewing Services held at Russon Brothers Mortuary, Friday January 7, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. 295 North Main Street, Bountiful. Also at Funeral Services held on Saturday January 8, 2011 from 11a.m.to 12 p.m. at the Canyon Park Ward, LDS Chapel, 1190 East Bountiful Hills Dr., Bountiful. A viewing will also be held at the chapel Saturday from 9:45-10:45 a.m.