Billy "Bill" Gale Lester

Billy “Bill” Gale Lester, age 77, of Spiceland, Indiana, passed away on March 14, 2024, at IU Ball Memorial Hospital following a long courageous battle with liver disease and blood cancer. He was born on February 20, 1947, in Monticello, Kentucky, to the late Joe and Edith (Kennedy) Lester. Bill was a devoted husband to Kathern Gayle Cleek, whom he married on April 12, 1969.

Bill was a man of service and dedication. He proudly served his country for six years in the Army National Guard. He was also a faithful member of the Fellowship Baptist Church and cherished his membership with the Spiceland Liars Table.

Throughout his life, Bill found joy in various activities. He loved attending his grandchildren's events, watching sports, going to races, hunting, fishing, enjoying evening golf cart rides and he especially loved his garden. After four decades of hard work, Bill retired from the steel industry, leaving behind a legacy of 32 years at Allegheny Ludlum Steel and 8 years at Ingersoll Steel. Following his retirement from the steel industry, Bill had the vision of Action Trophy; he owned and operated Action Trophy for 23 years and to this day, it's still a family-owned business in New Castle. He took deep satisfaction when coach’s and kids would come into his shop to design their team’s trophies; that alone, made it worth it all.

Bill's education was important to him, having graduated from Wayne County High School in Monticello, Kentucky, with the class of 1965. He furthered his education, earning an associate's degree from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. He also had earned a degree in small engine repair.

Bill Lester's legacy will live on through his wife of 54 years, Kathern Gayle Lester; children, Melissa (David) Busby, Carla (Tracy) Denney, and Autumn (Jimmy) Jessie; grandchildren, Abi (CJ Clark) Busby, Dylan (Landree Morrow) Busby, Mason and Kimber Jessie; great-grandchild, Kohen Clark; special great-niece and nephews, Kennadi, Kain, and Kole Knepley; sister, Joyce (Earl) Rains; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was simply blessed with a large family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Vera and JW Massengale; mother-in-law and step-father-in-law, Louise and Curt Carnes and father-in-law, Leon Cleek.
A special thank you to Dr. Berkowitz and staff, Ball Cancer Center/New Castle and everyone who visited and shared special stories and memories.

Services will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Mikel Knepley officiating. Burial will follow in Circle Grove Cemetery with military honors conducted by the New Castle American Legion/VFW and the US Army. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 8:00pm Tuesday. March 19, 2024 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to Tri High School Athletic Department or the Spiceland Volunteer Fire Department with envelopes available at the funeral home. You may express condolences or share memories of Bill at www.hinsey-brown.com .

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