LTC Richard "Rick" Lester

LTC Richard “Rick” A. Lester, 74, retired US Army aviator and Vietnam War veteran, of Marietta, GA passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2022, in Austell, GA, surrounded by love from family and friends. Rick is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jane Lester of Marietta, GA; children Taryn Coleman (Ryan) and Lt. Col. Jonathan Lester (Bethany); grandchildren Avery and Roman Lester; mother, Betty Lester of Warner Robins, GA, and beloved extended family. He is preceded in death by his father, MSgt. Stanley Lester, and brothers Jim and Stan Lester. Born in Marietta, GA in 1948, Rick spent his childhood in historic Marietta and on Air Force bases in Alaska and Newfoundland, Canada before his father’s military career brought the family back to GA where Rick graduated from Warner Robins High School in 1966. There he married the love of his life and best friend Jane in 1971, and together they traveled the world, recently celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. A true patriot and decorated soldier, Rick served his country heroically in the United States Army and retired honorably after 26 years. Rick was an attack helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, with multiple tours of duty in Vietnam, Germany and Korea. He received numerous awards for distinguished service and exemplary achievement, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal. Rick held his military service remarkably close to his heart, and he was a prominent member of several esteemed veterans' organizations including the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association (AVVBA) where he established memorials to honor fallen warriors and supported the USO and the Veterans Scholarship Program. He was also a member of the Atlanta History Center, and through the AVVBA, he helped curate Veterans Park at the Atlanta History Center and led the 2013 “sacred soil” dedication ceremony to honor veterans of all major conflicts who fought for our country’s freedom. Adventure remained a theme in Rick’s life throughout his retirement, and he was often the first to respond to the scene of an incident which is why he answered his phone, “Adventure Headquarters!” He and son Jonathan were recognized for heroic efforts after rendering emergency first aid to victims at the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Park bombing. In 2008 Rick appeared as an interview subject and served as a consultant for the Discovery Military Channel documentary TV series, Battlefield Diaries. A natural marketer and music lover with a knack for business development, Rick also became involved in the launch of electronic percussion business, Zendrum, and a partner in Burnt Hickory Brewery in Kennesaw, GA. Rick was a historian at heart, and he embraced the opportunity to share his experiences with others. A gifted writer, public speaker and master storyteller with a zest for adventure and never a shortage of words to describe his experiences, Rick captivated audiences and inspired the very best in everyone he interacted with. Rick carried an enormous presence, and he had a magnetic way of connecting with people. His amazing sense of humor and engaging personality made it easy for him to quickly gain yet another friend. Catch the wind, good friend, and as you soar to new heights, keep watch for us. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Macland Chapel in Powder Springs, GA. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-943-1511 A Memorial Service will be held in his honor on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Mayes Ward Dobbins Macland Chapel in Powder Springs, GA, with Rev. J.R. McAliley III officiating. Inurnment at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA will take place at 3:00 PM following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick’s name to the Emory Winship Cancer Institute at www.winshipcancer.emory.edu, the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association at www.avvba.org, or the Atlanta History Center at www.atlantahistorycenter.com.

LTC Richard "Rick" Lester

March 24, 1948 - December 13, 2022