Lester J. Aldergate

Lester J. Aldergate, 88, of Stillwater, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at Aultman Hospital in Canton. Born June 15, 1921, he was a son of the late Peter Paul Aldergate and Esther C. “Nesta” Clauser.

A life resident of our area, Les was a 1939 graduate of Bowerston High School. Following his schooling, Les enlisted in the U.S. Army where he went on to proudly serve his country in WWII. During the war, Les saw duty throughout Europe and North Africa, and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star Medal, and five Bronze Service Stars. Following his military career, Les became a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and worked for Joy Manufacturing until his retirement in 1983.

A man who loved his God and his church, Les was very active in the Pleasant Grove U.M.C. for many years, having held various positions including superintendent, Sunday School teacher, and youth leader. As a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Les cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Les was an avid sports fan as well as enjoying gardening, fishing, and playing euchre with his buddies at Tatmans.

On October 17, 1946, Lester married Thelma L. (Plotts) Aldergate who survives him at their home. In 2008, Les and Thelma celebrated sixty-two years of marriage together. In addition to his wife, Les’s surviving family includes three children, David and wife Mandy Aldergate of Uhrichsville, Keith and wife Pam Aldergate of Atwood Lake, and Cathy and husband Doug McPeek of Tuscarawas; seven grandchildren, Becky and husband Graig Bache, Jodi and husband John Hursey, Nathan Aldergate, Christopher Aldergate, Hannah Aldergate, Lacy and husband John Ronald, and Cory Johnson; eight great grandchildren, Andrew, Lucas, Olivia, Jonathan, Jace, Jayle, Ryleigh, and Karson; two sisters, Kathryn and husband Alvin Haas of Dennison and Gloria Saggio of Columbus; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Les was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Clauser; brothers-in-law Lou Saggio and Vernon Plotts; a nephew Mike Plotts; and special friend DeLancy McGowan.

Family and friends are invited to call at visitation for Les on Sunday, July 26, 2009 from 2 pm until 5 pm at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. A funeral service for Les, officiated by Pastor David Koch and Graig Bache will be held Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 5 pm in the funeral home. In keeping with his wishes, following services, Les will be cremated and a private family internment will take place at Hartwood Church Cemetery at a later date. Those wishing to honor Les’s memory with a memorial contribution may do so to either Pleasant Grove U.M.C. or the American Cancer Society.

R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740)922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com