Lester Louis Moore

Lester Moore, 78, of Wolf Island and East Prairie, Missouri, was born on November 17, 1947, in Wolf Island, Missouri, to the late Anderson and Maxine (Smith) Moore. Lester passed away in a farming accident at his home on April 23, 2026.

Lester attended schools in Anniston and East Prairie. On November 18, 1966, he married the love of his life, Mary Benson of East Prairie. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, family, and community, making their home first in Wolf Island then later in East Prairie.

A proud Army Veteran, Lester, carried the values of dedication and service throughout his life. At the age of 21, he and Mary began their farming journey in Wolf Island, starting with 25 acres of cotton and 175 acres of soybeans. Having previously worked as a farm laborer for A.L. (Bud) Story, Lester’s determination and perseverance led him to grow his operation to 880 acres over the years.

Lester had a deep love for music, especially playing the drums. He performed three nights a week with the band “The Quotations.” He also enjoyed playing on a weekly radio show. Music brought him great joy and connected him with many in the community.

In 1976, Lester and Mary welcomed their daughter, Emily, who became the center of his world. He was immensely proud of her and cherished every moment spent with his family. Lester found happiness in simple daily routines - starting each morning by driving the levee to check on his cattle, followed by coffee in town with fellow farmers.

Known for his kind heart, Lester had a special compassion for stray dogs, taking many in and caring for them over the years. He was also a dedicated Delegate for MFA Oil Company and looked forward each year to attending their annual meeting.

Lester is survived by his devoted wife, Mary; his beloved daughter, Emily McGill, and her husband John; his brother Charles Moore and sister-in-law, Sharon; his sister-in-law, Nancy Gamble and Marty Brown, and several nieces and nephews, including Keith Carden, Necie Hall, Travis Moore, Jamie Moore, Rineva Brewer and Ray Givens.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in law Howard Benson; his mother-in-law, Dola Benson; his sister, Geneva Givens; and his nieces, Betty Hartlein, and Terry Lynn Brooks.

Lester will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of family, his music, and his generous spirit. His legacy lives on in the land he tended, the lives he touched, and the family he loved so deeply.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston where funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Martin Lucas will officiate.

Entombment will follow at a later date at East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.