Lester L. Efird

Lester Levate Efird, 82, of Hot Springs, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at his home.

Lester was born on Sept.

29, 1934, in Red Oak, to Odis William Efird and Orphia Branum Efird.

Lester loved the outdoors which involved camping, fishing, hunting and watching his deer and squirrels. Lester was married to the love of his life, Jo Ella, for 62 years. He is a charter member and helped build the 1st Southern Baptist Church in Magnet Cove. He also organized and volunteered as a fireman in Magnet Cove as well. He enjoyed coaching Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. Lester was former owner and operator of Less’ Small Engine Repair in Magnet Cove. He worked for

32 years at Reynolds Metal. He enjoyed bowling as a past time hobby. One of his great loves was watching his grandkids and granddog playing and swinging in the backyard. He will be missed and loved by all.

Lester is survived by his wife, Jo Ella, of Hot Springs; daughter, Tina Conzel, and husband, Tommy, of Nashville; Sons, Mark Efird and wife, Tara, of Benton, Byron Efird and wife, Cendy, of Hot Springs. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Aaron, Brent, Joseph and Zech Efird, Courtney Grant and Alison Craun; along with 15 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by both parents, Odis and Orphia Efird.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Services will be Tuesday at Atkinson Funeral Home’s Chapel, with Aaron Efird and Tommy Conzel officiating.

Burial will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Bismarck.

Pallbearers will be Aaron Efird, Brent Efird, Joseph Efird, Zech Efird, Scott Montgomery, Casey Craun and David Montgomery. Honorary Pallbearers will be The Nursing Staff of Davita, Eugene Branum and Arnold Branum.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Davita Dialysis Center in Hot Springs.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Atkinson Funeral Home.