Lester Debrick

Lester L. Debrick passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on July 19, 2011. He was born on November 3, 1918 to John Gustaf and Emilie Koopman Debrick, the oldest of four children. He was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church on November 24, 1918. Lester attended Mobley School for a year before continuing his elementary education and graduating from Trinity Lutheran School at Block. He was confirmed April 9, 1933 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Lester farmed and worked his first "real" job at the Block Reifel store, delivering groceries and picking up fresh eggs which he later candled for the store. During World War II, Lester served as a mechanic for the U.S. Army 760th Tank Battalion in North Africa and Italy from June 1942 to October 1945. Lester continued his education through the VA plan after his return and resumed farming. Lester married Alma Dora Clausen on September 28, 1947 at Faith Lutheran Church in Ottawa, and they celebrated 60 years together before her unexpected death on September 17, 2008. Lester retired from the Miami County Coop in 1980 after 25 years of service. Lester was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served as treasurer and elder. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW for more than 50 years. Lester enjoyed playing cards with family and friends on Sunday nights for over 30 years and more recently at the Senior Center. He also enjoyed "seeing people" at his favorite restaurants. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Wilbur & Weldon, and great-grandchildren Grace Elaine Jones and Chase Alan Jones. He is survived by his sister Pearl Doherty of Paola and sister-in-law Oreta Wadley & husband Richard of Paola & Fort Meyers, Florida; daughter Sandy Schultz & husband Darrel of Paola; daughter Nancy Green & husband Tom of West Des Moines, Iowa; daughter Connie Barnett of Kansas City, Missouri; son Steve Debrick & wife Bobbie Jo of Paola; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lester"s family is eternally grateful to Samantha Wood for her loving care and support throughout the past two years so that he could enjoy this time at home. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. Block Trinity Lutheran Church, 34868 Block Rd Paola, KS Service: Saturday, July 23, 2011 10:00 AM Visitation: Friday, July 22, 2011 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM