Jan H. Lester's Obituary
Jan H. Lester, 88, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on February 27, 2026.
Born on March 3, 1937, in Galloway, Florida, Jan was the firstborn son of John and Juanita Lester. As the oldest of three children, he grew up alongside his two beloved sisters, Patsy Fletcher and Gale Buchanon.
Jan's early life was marked by hard work and deep community roots. As a teenager, he worked at Carpenter's Home Hospital and Lakeland General Hospital as an orderly, providing care for the elderly patients at the facility.
In 1956, Jan proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country with honor. That same year, at Gapway Baptist Church, he met the love of his life, Shirley. Their shared devotion and connection blossomed through many trips back and forth from Fort Bragg and Fort Monmouth and countless love letters. After the completion of his military service, they were married on July 17, 1959. They were blessed with 66 wonderful years of marriage, filled with unwavering love, partnership, and faith.
The family grew soon after: firstborn son Dan arrived in 1960, daughter Melanie in 1962, and son Mike in 1965.
Jan dedicated his professional life to public service and protecting his community. In 1962, he joined the Lakeland Police Department, where he served with integrity and dedication for 17 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant before retiring in 1979. During his service with LPD, Jan pursued his education at St. Petersburg Junior College and Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, earning a bachelor's degree in Criminal Science.
Following his time with the Lakeland Police Department, Jan continued his career in law enforcement by joining the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for 10 years as a deputy sheriff. He spent many of those years in the Citrus and Cattle Division, investigating and addressing crimes related to citrus groves and cattle operations.
Later, Jan served as a child abuse investigator for the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS), compassionately handling sensitive cases to protect vulnerable children.
Jan was also a respected gun expert and an excellent marksman. He possessed exceptional skill in stripping down firearms, rebuilding them with precision, and maintaining them meticulously—a talent honed through his extensive law enforcement experience and personal passion.
He loved music and was an accomplished guitarist. He loved playing for his family, especially the children, and he served God through his talent by playing his guitar during worship services at church.
Jan's life was defined by his strong Christian faith. He passionately served Gapway Baptist Church joyfully as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and deacon. Known for his compassion, he spent countless days visiting friends, family, and fellow church members in hospitals or at home, offering comfort, encouragement, and prayer. Jan mentored many young people over the years, always guiding them with wisdom and leading them toward Christ.
He cherished family time and created lasting memories by taking Shirley and his children on driving vacations across the country—to the majestic western United States, the charming landscapes of New England, the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the sunny Florida beaches.
Jan adored his family and had a special way of making each person feel valued, loved, and important. His quiet strength, generosity, and deep faith touched countless lives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Juanita Lester, his sisters, Patsy Fletcher and Gale Buchanon, and great-granddaughter Jeneva Lester.
Jan is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Shirley Lester; his daughter, Melanie Smith; his sons, Dan Lester (wife Monica) and Mike Lester (wife Janie); his grandchildren, Jamie Lester (Christine), Jason Lester (wife Crystal), Jesse Lester (wife Brittany), Brittany Rutherford (husband David), Summer Mayer (husband Brian), Shayne Lester (wife Tessa), Luke Smith (Olivia), and Jordan Kicklighter (husband John); his great-grandchildren, Jillian Alexander, Jenna Lester, Abby Lester, Sarah Lester, Joshua Lester, Isaac Lester, Joseph Lester, Sophia Lester, Chloe Mayer, Magnolia Mayer, August Mayer, Ryleigh Rutherford, Kinsley Lester, Hudson Rutherford, Rhett Lester, Brooks Rutherford, Stetson Kicklighter, Wrenley Lester, Tate Rutherford, and Tripp Lester; and his great-great-grandchildren, Ellianna and Isabella; along with extended family and a host of friends whose lives he enriched.
Visitation will be held at Gapway Baptist Church, 1705 N. Combee Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM.
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