Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24)
Lester P. Kohler of Gonzales, LA passed at home on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at the age of 89. He was born in Baton Rouge and joined the U.S. Army in 1951 and traveled the world then served 3 tours in Vietnam. During this time Lester met and married the love of his life in South Korea. He always stated that he did his first tour for his country and the other two for love. He retired from service after over 20 years and moved to Denham Springs, LA. His life exemplified the love of God, of country and of family. He was an active member of his church, a loving father and good neighbor. He loved photograpghy, painting and sketching and leaves a lifetime of work to be admired. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ae Cha Kohler, mother Annette Kohler Edgens, and 5 brothers, Albert, Kerry, Marshall, Finley and Cecil. Lester leaves behind 2 sisters, Jean Edgens Jackson and Mary Edgens Herman Laird. He had 6 children: Larry, Diana (Dean), Kathy (John), Shirley (Jim), Raymond (Tracy) and Kim (Kerry). He had 15 grandchildren: Joshua, Alyssa (Mason), Bethany (Jacob), Christina, Cameron, Grace (Tyler), Dale, Paul, Emily, William, Rebecca, Olivia, John, Nicole, Travis and 10 great grandchildren: Juniper, Walker, Charles, James, Case, Audrey, Miles, Jonas, Addy and Jules. Friends and family are invited to celebrate the life of Lester at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, with visitation on Thursday, June 1, from 2 p.m. until service at 3 p.m. Burial will take place Friday, June 2, 10 a.m. at Louisiana National Cemetery, 303 W. Mount Pleasant Rd, Zachary, LA 70791.
3 comments
Cheryl Edgens Daniel (Randy)
June 1, 2023 at 12:53 pm
Kim
Uncle Lester was a good man and I will miss him dearly. His light touched many. With my heart felt sympathy. Sending my condolences and prayers to you all.
Susan Reine (Jason)
May 31, 2023 at 2:37 pm
Uncle Lester and Aunt Cho opened their home to us and took us in for a long time when we had nothing and nowhere else to go. Mom, (Aunt Cho’s sister) had my sister and I and was going through a divorce. Being young teenagers and not wanting to come back from overseas, you can imagine how difficult we were. It couldn’t have been easy for any of them, but still, I can’t recall a raised voice or cross word ever. He brought Beverly and I to and from school every day for a year, (while still bringing Aunt Cho to and from work every day as well). They helped mom get a car and job and eventually a place of our own. Senior pics, family pics, first baby pics-he was there for them all. I will never forget his generosity and how much all of you were and are a part of our lives. He was truly the salt of the earth and light of the world.
Barry and Kim Bryan
May 31, 2023 at 1:19 am
Jackie, Shirley, Diane and Raymond
We’re so sorry to of Mr. Lester’s passing. I lost track of him after his house on Bruce flooded a second time. I always had such a fun time across the circle at y’all’s house. Whether we were playing Monopoly in the girls room or bothering Raymond in his room your parents always had an open door and I have the best memories there. We might be cutting up on the big swing, riding our bikes around the circle or at one of the neighbors house for a cook out, your mom and dad were always a neighborhood staple. Not to mention Christmas and Halloween in the seventies and your mom making colored popcorn balls. I know Mr. Lester was a saved, God fearing man and I know he wanted to be reunited with your mom in God’s good time. May he rest easy and know that he touched many lives. Your family is tightly woven into some of my best childhood memories and I’m sending all of my prayers to you.
Barry & Kim Bryan and family.