Obituaries
Lester M. Eshleman, 91
Lester M. Eshleman, 91, of Lancaster, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday January 24, 2013 after living a joyful and fulfilling life. He is survived by his wife of 5 years, Hilda Eshleman. Born and raised in Clearfield in Providence Township, he was the son of the late David and Edith Miller Eshleman.
Mr. Eshleman served in the U. S. Army during World War II as a Corporal in the 2nd infantry division. His infantry fought heroically in the European Theater of Operations and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Central Europe Ardennes Forest, and at Remagen Bridge. After returning from war, Lester lived in Allentown PA until 1975 where he owned Budget Rent A Car franchise. In 1975, he moved to St. Petersburg FL, where he owned several Budget Rent A Car franchises for five years. In his retirement, Lester was the Mayor of Kenneth City, FL from 1991-1994. In 2002, Lester moved back to Lancaster County to be closer to his family.
He was a member of the Long Memorial United Methodist Church in Neffsville, PA. He was a member of the American Legion Post Garden Spot Post # 56 in Lititz, PA, Masonic Lodge #291 F&AM in Madeira Beach FL, Masonic Lodge #43 in Lancaster PA, and a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite of Tampa Florida. He enjoyed traveling and playing poker at Lancashire Terrace.
Lester loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. In addition to his wife Hilda, he is survived by his three children: Beverly married to Jim Gibson of Lancaster PA, Donald Eshleman married to Kim Eshleman of Harrisburg PA, and Richard Eshleman married to Darlene Eshleman of Solon OH; six step-sons; his brother Bob Eshleman married to Faye of Lancaster; 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife and the mother of his children Mildred Eshleman in 1973, his second wife Josephine Eshleman in 2002, 4 siblings, and a grandson, Brian.
A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 3PM in the Chapel at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA with The Rev. David Unangst officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday from 2-3PM at Snyder’s. The Masonic Service will begin at 3PM prior to the Funeral Service. Military Honors rendered by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard and Vet-21 Gun Salute. Interment will be private in Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Eshleman’s memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care of Lancaster, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or to the American Diabetes Association 3544 N. Progress Ave. Suite 101 Harrisburg, PA 17110. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100
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I was so saddened to hear about Les’ passing. He will be missed here at Lancashire Terrace. He always greeted me with a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you draw on the wonderful memories you have of him.
Jean from the Sales Office at Lancashire Terrace
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies. We are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Brian and Ann Blake
We at Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 are very saddened to read of the passing of our dear brother Les. While in Florida he was an active member of the Lodge and served as Treasurer for five years. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers go out to the family.
Dear Richard, Darlene and Dean, What a special person and a life well lived. God bless all in your time of sadness. Sending you all love and best wishes. Love, Paul & Barbara Kondrat
So sorry to hear of Br Les Passing. I served with him as secretary of the lodge and have many great memories. Alas my brother.
Charles Van Horn Jr.
Bev,
I was so sorry to read of your father’s passing. It sounds like he led a wonderful and very full life! We’ll be taking Darren back to school so unfortunately I’ll not be able to stop by on Sunday. Please know you and your family have my deepest sympathy.
Deb
