Lester “Les” B. Carter

Lester “Les” B. Carter, age 91, of Athens, passed away on Wednesday July 19, 2023, at his home.

He was born October 27, 1931, in Leitchfield, KY, the son of Lester B. and Esther E. (Gaither) Carter.

Les married Irma Corrine Wells on March 6, 1954.

Mourning his passing are his daughter, Nancy (Tim) Galligan of Williamsville; son, Bill (Trudi) Carter of Athens; grandchildren, Matt (Caitlin) Galligan, Ryan (Michelle) Galligan, Emalie (Austin) Hemberger, Scot Carter, and Tod (Dawn) Carter; great-grandchildren, Lila, Daphne, Nash, Birdie, and Colynns; a brother, Harold (Carol) Carter; sisters, Eileen (Charlie) Grampp, Yvonne Dobey, and Carolyn Sue Bishop; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Corrine; mother and father, brothers and sisters (Jereline, Gerald, Bernard, Jo Anne, and Neil).

Les graduated from Middletown High School in 1950.  He later served for the U.S. Army from 1952 until 1954.

Les began farming in the Athens area in 1954, and as the years passed, was joined by his son and grandsons.

He was a member of the American Legion in Athens and Athens Christian Church.  He also served on the Menard County Fair Board.

Les threw horseshoes, bowled, played lots of cards with family and friends, and traveled in the United States and abroad.  Les and Corrine enjoyed ballroom dancing for many years.  He thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren, and his eyes lit up when spending time with his great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Les will be held on Monday, July 24, 2023, from 4:30 until 7:30 PM at the Athens Christian Church.  Funeral services will also be held at the church on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Ken Gennicks officiating.  Burial will be held immediately following the services at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Athens Christian Church.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.