NEWBERRY - James Claude “J.C.” Lester, 96, widower of Mary Nelle Chapman Lester, died Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at his residence.

Born on Sept. 12, 1916, he was a son of the late Claude Lamont and Mable Derrick Lester. Mr. Lester was a retired lieutenant colonel with the Army National Guard and a lifelong farmer. He was a member of Colony Lutheran Church.

He is survived by a daughter, Mary Claudette Lester of Newberry; sisters, Helen Phelps of N. Charleston, Mildred Walker of Camden, Freda Dawkins of Greenville and Janelle Othersen of Charleston; a brother, Clyde Lester of Newberry; grandchildren, David Kingsmore, Pam Fisher and Tina Frick. Mr. Lester was predeceased by a grandson, Rex Kingsmore and a sister, Margaret Shealy.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at Colony Lutheran Church by the Rev. Jerry Trantham. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Active pallbearers will be Jason Frick, Doyle Shealy, Russell Shealy, Luther Shealy, Rodney Chapman and Buddy DeHart.

McSwain-Evans Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. A memorial message may be written to the family at www.mcswainevans.com.