Lester Carter Obituary

Carter, Lester "Les" Dana, 87, of Sonoma California, died on May 29, 2025. He is survived by four daughters: Karen Lee Carter (Hayes/Barrett) Laurie Christine Carter, Stacey Anne Carter (Fleece/Fulton), stepdaughter Virginia "Ginny" Lea Reilly and five grandchildren: Addison Barrett, Carson and Piper Fleece, Justin and Sarah Bleasdale.
Les was preceded in death by his wife Jerlean "Jeri" (Reilly) Carter and both sisters: Emma "Penny" (Carter) Freeman of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Olivann "Anne" (Carter) Selvidge of Ventura, California and a close brother-in-law, Douglas Freeman.
Lester D. Carter was born in Los Angeles, California, the only son of Lester W. and Edith "Binks" (Harcourt) Carter. He spent his childhood in Billings, Montana where his father owned and managed The Great Northern Hotel and convinced banks to lend credit for guest overnight stays which became what is known today as the American Express card. As a young man, Les aspired to follow his father into the hotel industry but was dissuaded of the notion by his parents. He was a talented pianist and avid baseball fan.
Les had just started medical school when his daughter, Karen was born followed shortly thereafter by daughters Laurie and Stacey. Les favored family life over long hours that awaited life as a hospital doctor so, abandoned that pursuit and applied what he had learned, teaching high school biology for a time. He was invited to work for a company that manufactured veterinary equipment for large animals including orthopedic devices. This took Les on the road to visit university department heads, veterinary instructors and private practitioners throughout the United States. He met and married a second time settling down in Bel Air, Maryland. Les finished his career, retiring from his position in the management ranks for Kirshner Medical.
In retirement, Les and Jeri travelled to collect items for their weekend gig as vendors at local antique/flea markets. He particularly enjoyed talking with folks who stopped by their "shop." They also enjoyed celebrations with their Md family as well as visiting family in NJ to visit zoos, attend school and sports events and Thanksgiving celebrations. After his wife's death, with the help of daughter Ginny and her partner Jane, Les relocated to the wine country of Sonoma, California. His last family events included a daughter's marriage in October 2024 and watching his granddaughter Sarah accept a diploma from University of San Francisco in May 2025. We four daughters and our children will miss his presence, counsel, help when it mattered most and without question, his kindness.
Funeral service will be held at Bel AIr Memorial Gardens, Bel Air, Md in the Mausoleum Chapel on Saturday June 14, at 1pm.
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