Lester Cherry

Lester Cherry, 87, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on December 30, 2021 after a courageous battle with kidney disease. He was with his daughters, Carol and Cynthia. Throughout his life, Les loved to help others. One of his favorite quotes exemplifies his attitude toward others: “He drew a circle that shut me out- Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle and took him in!” This is how he lived his life and how he raised his children. In his 80’s, he was a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster children). He was a member of the LEO group at Wesley United Methodist Church, with the goal of helping individuals in need, one person at a time. Les excelled in business and helped many young men and women advance in their careers at Edison Brothers Stores. He received an Executive MBA from Harvard University. Les was loved and respected by all who worked with him through the years. Les had a passion for fishing and would go to any fishing spot with anyone willing to go along. Ocean fishing, floating down the lake, or standing on the bank of a creek – he loved it all. Les was born and raised in Granite City, Illinois. He spent most of his life in Creve Coeur, Missouri, although he lived in Somerdale, New Jersey for 10 years and spent his last 8 years in Springfield. Les is predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years Patricia L. Cherry, his parents Lester E. Cherry and Vivian Cherry Phillips, and a daughter Pamela Cherry. He is survived by his loving daughters, Carol Chapman (Greg) and Cynthia Cherry Dawson; two sons, David Cherry and Paul Cherry (Helen); 8 grandchildren, Zack Dawson (Brittanie), Christina Dawson, Patricia Reinsch (Tyler), Rebecca Cherry, Emily Cherry, Grace Cherry, Kelly Cherry Elliott, and Tracy Cherry Moonier; sisters Erma Lee Cherry and Janet Orcutt; and dearest family friend, Julie Bray and her children, Lisa Monfort (Mike), Karen Thoele (Don), and Mike Bray (Tori). A Memorial Service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield, Missouri on Saturday, January 8 at 11:00 am. A time for visiting the family will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation or CASA. Arrangements under the care of Greenlawn Funeral Home East.

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Lester Cherry

August 31, 1934 - December 30, 2021