Galen C. Lester, 93, of Aiken, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born December 4, 1930, in Guffey, he was the son of the late Harold and May (Stalker) Lester. 

He was a 1948 graduate of Hazel Hurst High School. After his discharge from the service, he attended Jamestown Business College.

Galen enlisted into the United State Air Force, he served during the Korean War in Minnesota, and Newfoundland. He was later Honorably Discharged.

On July 11, 2005, in Bradford, he married Frances E. (White) Lester who survives.

After the service Galen was a life insurance agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. He later was a salesman at Strohman Bakery in Olean for 16 years. Prior to his retirement he spent over 20 years as the store manager of the Mt. Jewett and Eldred Pennsylvania State Liquor Stores.

Throughout his life he enjoyed the outdoors, taking his children water skiing on Cuba Lake. He played the fiddle with his father and brothers on many evenings. Later in life he enjoyed gardening, hunting, four wheeling with the Ridge Runners, and throwing horseshoes with the Hanley League. He was a member of the Mt. Jewett American Legion, and Eagles Club.

Surviving in addition to his wife Frances, are two children, Toni (Greg) Barrara, of Smethport, and Scott Lester, of Mt. Jewett, three stepdaughters, Susan (the late Randy) Holsinger, of Bradford, Judith Page, of Belmont NY, and Windy (Scott) Roctz, of Bradford, 21 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Earla (McNaughton) Lester, his second wife, Margaret Lester, one stepdaughter, Darlene Paul, two stepsons, Thomas and Robert Lester, and two brothers, Donald and Richard Lester. 

Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Galen's Life at the Mt Jewett Legion on Sunday June 30, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm. At 1:30pm in the Legion, Full Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the SPCA.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com