ForeverMissed
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Lester Odell Dennis, Son, Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Pawpaw

Survivors:

Wife of 51 Years:  Gwayne (Sissie)

Daughters:  Becky – (Willie), and Cindy – (Mike)

Sons:  Jerry – (Tonja), Glenn, and Don – (Diane)

Lester was also a father figure, along with his late brother Bo, to Chris and Calvin, and grandfather figure to Kristyn.

Grandchildren:  Heather, Courtney, and Ashley; Shelby and Stephanie; Leslie and Lindsey; Sara, Matt, and Daniel

Great Grandchildren:  C.J., Carley, Chase, and Caleb; Rylee and Allie; Isaac and Ryder

Sisters:  Nezzie & Addie Mae, 

Sister-in-Laws: Ginger & Deanie Ruth,

Brother-in-Law: Jimmy (Doody)

Along with many nieces and nephews

Preceeded in Death:  Mother, Maella Holifield; Brothers, James (Buddy) Henson, and Bo Holifield; Sister, Mavis (Sis) Colburn

Lester started his life in the Mississippi cotton fields, and joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17, to help support his mother and siblings, and became a Marine Aircraft Mechanic.  After four years of military service, he went into the construction industry as a welder and later joined I.U.O.E. Local 450 Operating Engineers as a Union Heavy Equipment Operator. He worked for various contractors such as W.D. Haden, Miner-Dederick, Bellows Construction, and other signed contractors out of LU 450. He worked in the field until he was chosen by the Local to be a Business Agent, representing Local 450 members in the field. He was one of many great men that helped build much of Greenway Plaza during the oil boom of the 70's. He was a big part in organizing, negotiate and bring solutions over labor and management differences. Lester was very well respected by both labor and management. He retired in 1986 and remained an active union member, for 47 years, until his recent death.

Lester was a kind, amazing family man who always put other’s needs in front of his own.  He bravely fought a valiant five year battle with cancer, was greatly loved, and will be deeply missed by all.

The family would like to thank Dr. Douglas Nelson, Candy Halpern, Dr. Frederick Njuki, Dr. Santiago Segurola, Dr. Vipul De Sai, Dr. Amarbir Mattewal, Dr. Timothy Chen, and all of the other physicians and amazing nurses at the St. Luke’s/M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital.

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January 16
January 16
It’s been eight long years since we’ve been together. Sometimes time flys and sometimes it stands still. Seems like yesterday we were at the lake fishing for that big one or just kicking back watching T.V. I miss you so much , especially when sitting on the porch at the lake drinking coffee in the early mornings. I laugh when I think of how you hate those pesky Mockingbirds! They’re still around making a hundred different sounds. Until we meet again, keep the home fire burning. I love you so much.
January 16
January 16
I cannot believe it has been 8 years since you got your wings Uncle Lester. You are missed everyday and will forever be in our hearts! Please tell Mom and Dad hello for me - love you Uncle Lester
June 14, 2023
June 14, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday Uncle Lester. I sure you miss that beautiful smile of yours! I love and miss you very much.
June 14, 2023
June 14, 2023
Happy Birthday in Heaven Uncle Lester!! I know that Grandma is spoiling you and you are playing dominos with Aunt Sis and Uncle Bo - Tell Mom and Dad and all my brothers hello! Love and miss you!!
June 14, 2023
June 14, 2023
Happy birthday to the most amazing man I ever knew! Even though the years keep clicking by, it still feels like yesterday that you left us for a better place. Not a day goes by that we don't tell a story about you or mention your name. Especially our time at the lake. You're all over the place! On the crappie hole, at Single Tree, in the wind, everywhere! We love your presence so keep it up! Love you so much! 
January 16, 2023
January 16, 2023
Well, it has been 7 long years I've spent without you. Not a single day goes by that someone doesn't call your name. You are always with us. We miss you sooo much and treasure every day we had with you. Good days and bad, we had so much fun. Now all we have is memories but thank God for those memories. They keep us going. I love you so much and will until we meet again. " Until death do us part" is not for me. Love is forever and that's how long I will love you.
December 25, 2022
December 25, 2022
Merry Christmas and happy anniversary my dear.This would be our 58th year together if you were here. We talk about you almost every day and miss you so very much. Our lives have forever been changed by your absence but so rich because you’re still a part of it. We love you dearly and will forever. Until we are together again, keep my love in your heart and know that I cherish yours very much. Love you my dear husband.
June 14, 2022
June 14, 2022
Happy birthday, Babe. I miss you as if you left yesterday. That will never change. We talk about you all the time and reminisce the funny things you always said and did. Well, Eli has taken your place on backing off the pier, once in the same spot as you! Had to drag him out of the water but no hospital trip that time! Tell ole Norm we think about him often and miss him terribly. One day we will meet again. Until then, hugs and kisses my dear.
June 14, 2022
June 14, 2022
Happy Birthday in Heaven Uncle Lester!! You are missed every single day! Love you always and tell Momma I love her!
January 16, 2022
January 16, 2022
Forever in our hearts - We miss you Uncle Lester ❤️
December 25, 2021
December 25, 2021
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my love! I think of you every day and miss you 24/7. Today would be our 57th wedding anniversary, or let me say it is our 57th anniversary. I still cherish all the years we had together and look forward to being with you again. All is good at home. I'll love you forever and always,  You are forever in my heart. 
June 15, 2021
June 15, 2021
Happy birthday my love! I didn't forget yesterday( let me rephrase that. I thought about posting 4 or 5 times yesterday and as soon as I thought about it, I forgot about it!) Funny how the mind works when you get old. We're still fishing crappie corner on the pier. However, Stephanie loads the boat up at The Hole. She is so much like you with that fishing stuff. You taught her well, Pawpaw. We'll catch a bunch this week . Could you stop telling Stephie where to fish and put a bug in my ear, please? Love you forever and ever, Amen!
June 14, 2021
June 14, 2021
Happy Birthday in Heaven Uncle Lester - love you very much!!
Kathy
January 16, 2021
January 16, 2021
Time seems to stand still and we stop to remember how wonderful our memories are of those who have gone before us. Say hello to Mom and Dad and all my brothers and hug Grandma really tight for me! See you before long Uncle Lester - Forever in our hearts.
December 25, 2020
December 25, 2020
Happy anniversary my love. I miss you every day ! I really miss our political conversations! And you sure would have a lot to say! One of your men will be taking office on January 20, 2021, THANK GOD! There have been so many of our friends to die these past two years. So far, I consider myself healthy and try to take care of myself. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and as always, I love very much.
June 14, 2020
June 14, 2020
Happy birthday my love. We are really getting old, right? I'm still hanging in there. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and ask God to tell you I love you.We miss you at the lake, especially when I catch a catfish! Stephanie can take them off just like you did. She says," Of course I can. I had the best teacher!" We all feel so close to you at the lake. I still have my coffee on the front porch and listen to those dang Mocking Birds. Paula says hello and happy birthday to you and she misses you all's conversations in the yard. I'll love you for the rest of my life. There is no one like you. Never will be. Good night , my love.
January 16, 2020
January 16, 2020
Uncle Lester please know that we all miss you something terrible. Tell Momma and all our loved ones that they are always carried in our hearts!!
January 16, 2020
January 16, 2020
Good morning my sweet Marine. Well, at 7:52 P.M. tonight, you will have been gone four years! Unbelievable! It still feels like yesterday. I miss you every single day of my life and that feeling will never go away. I can't wait for this dreary, wet weather to change so my little red bird can come visit again. But we have a few more months of this weather coming so I'll just sit in your spot on the couch and reminisce old memories. Here's some good news for you! Donald Trump has been impeached! Ouch! You're yelling is hurting my ears! LOL. How about that? Jerry and I include you in nearly every conversation we have on politics because we still feel your passion. Tell Norm and Sonny and everyone hello from all of us . You're still in my heart and on my mind, as Willie Nelson would say in his song. I will Love you for as long as I live. You can't get rid of me! LOL 
December 27, 2019
December 27, 2019
Lester and I met through Local 450 ,and became close friends. He was a great business agent that worked very hard to maintain and build the local . A great family man and dear friend . I miss his friendship.
December 26, 2019
December 26, 2019
I know that Christmas time must be beautiful in Heaven - We miss you Uncle Lester and please tell Momma and everyone hello and we love you all. Nothing is the same with our loved ones gone but we are blessed that one day we will be together again!
December 25, 2019
December 25, 2019
Happy anniversary! It's a big 55 years for us. This thing about "until death do us part" doesn't work for me. I'm in it for the long haul. and that's forever! It's been a really long day for me. So quiet and so lonely. I'll go visit the girls after while. Maybe play dominoes. That'll bring back some memories and lots of laughs! Wishing you and all your buds a Merry Christmas and I love you.
June 17, 2019
June 17, 2019
Happy birthday my love! We were at the lake this weekend celebrating your b'day! The girls were having a good time reminiscing how you pronounced different words. Their favorite, as you know, was how you said "banana". We were all trying to say it like you did. And "chocolate". A few of your favorite phrases came up that only those very close to you would know. We'll leave it at that.LOL. Still missing you every day . We all do. Until we meet again, love you dearly.
June 14, 2019
June 14, 2019
Happy Birthday Uncle Lester!! You all have a wonderful time and tell Momma I love her!!
January 23, 2019
January 23, 2019
I'm late with this message but don't think I forgot our anniversary! I could never do that. After all, it was December 25th, Christmas day! And I still remember telling you that I was the best present you ever got! LOL. You are still missed so much in the neighborhood. We all talk about you every single day. Not a day goes by that you're not in our conversation. Sometimes I see you in the house and many times I feel your presence. Can't wait until Spring time when you come to see me in the form of a Red Bird. There will never be another like you and I shall love you forever and ever. See you soon, Babe.
January 16, 2019
January 16, 2019
Love and miss you Uncle Lester - please tell Momma I miss her very much!!
June 14, 2018
June 14, 2018
Happy Birthday Pop! I love and miss you so freakin much! I swear sometimes I can hear you talkin to me, same deep voice and everything. We sure miss you down here and I can't wait to see you again. I love you.
Love,
Leslie
June 14, 2018
June 14, 2018
Happy birthday, Babe. Missing you on your birthday. It has been 2 years and five months since you've been gone. I miss you more and more each day, especially when the news alerts come on T.V. and it's Donald Trump!!! Telling his lies and acting like he knows what he's doing. Did you know you and him have the same b'day? I think I'll change your b'day for you. O.K.? Just kidding. These last 2 1/2 years have been the worst years of my life. I don't have any ambition to do anything. Don't care if I go anywhere, just want to stay home. I really miss you at the lake. Sitting on the front porch drinking coffee and enjoying the early morning sun. I hope you and Sonny and Chris have met up. They called me every week after you left and now they are both gone. I'll love you until we meet again and miss you even more.
January 17, 2018
January 17, 2018
Miss you brother! Time does nothing to make it better. You were the best! So many times there are times that I want to call and ask you a question because you were of the smartest men I know. The kindest, loving, most caring brother a sister could have! I loved you then and love you now. Nothing changed except I can’t tell you. Love you forever!
January 16, 2018
January 16, 2018
I can't believe it's been two years since you left us. I guess it will always feel like yesterday. I love you and miss you more and more as time goes by. I still miss talking politics with you. Believe me you would have plenty to say right now. I thank the Lord for all the years he gave us and I wish it could have been more. But you were needed elsewhere and I accept that. Just remember you are always in my heart and I love you . Until we meet again, my love.
January 16, 2018
January 16, 2018
Time passes way too fast - seems like yesterday. We still miss you Uncle Lester and you will forever be in our memories and in our hearts!!
June 14, 2017
June 14, 2017
Happy birthday, my love. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I miss you so much. We all do. I miss our "political" conversations and boy would we have a lot to talk about! I can just hear you shouting at the T.V. "Why that stupid @#$!@#! I'd give anything to just see you again. I'm keeping your side of the bed warm. I love you with all my heart and soul and I'll see you soon my love.
June 14, 2017
June 14, 2017
Happy Birthday Uncle Lester!! Hope you all are having a great celebration and tell everyone hello for me and see you all again some day!! Love you,
Kathy
January 27, 2017
January 27, 2017
It's been one year and 11 days since you left us, my love. Just sitting here listening and looking at your site on Forever Missed. It's so hard for me to do but I feel so in touch with you there. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and call your name. I miss you every day and every night and will for the rest of my life. The hole in my heart will never heal but I keep filling it with memories of you and that helps. It's that empty chair that gets me. Damn, I miss you! Can't wait until I can hold you again. Keep everyone straight up there and when I get there we'll have one Hell of a celebration! Just remember, I will always love you!
January 16, 2017
January 16, 2017
Cannot believe it has been a year since you left this world. I know that you are in good company with Grandma and so many others but you are truly missed here! I love you Uncle Lester!
September 18, 2016
September 18, 2016
It has been 8 long, lonely months since you left. Words cannot describe how much I miss you. I miss our morning coffee at the lake. Just you and me sitting on the porch looking at the lake in all it's beauty. I still go out early and just reminisce our times there. It will never be the same. Nothing is. Seems like you should be here with us. Not a morning or evening goes by that I'm not thinking about you. What really gets to me is the empty chair at the table when we go out to eat. It tears me apart. I don't think I will ever be happy again. Just seems impossible. On your birthday Paula fixed supper for me, not knowing it was your birthday, and she also baked a peach cobbler, your favorite. You know she NEVER COOKS, right? So, after we finished eating I told her it was your birthday and your favorite dessert was peach cobbler! THAT was unbelievable We haven't figured out yet why she decided to cook that particular day AND bake a peach cobbler! So you see, you might be invisible to us in the neighborhood but you are never far from our minds. Just wanted to talk to you today and let you know how very much I miss you and love you. But you already know that. Gonna' go work in the yard and see if I can get rid of these tears. Love you much.
June 14, 2016
June 14, 2016
Happy Birthday Uncle Lester - I know you all are having a party! Tell Daddy hello for me - We love you very much!
March 5, 2016
March 5, 2016
What a man. A stepfather to my brother Glenn and I, and a friend to many. I loved watching him catch a crappie off of Jerry's pier but loved it more watching him miss one, which was quite rare. Thank you Lester for the man you have always been, consistently, and may you rest in paradise. You are loved and missed. I'm sitting in your spot on the couch right now but can never, ever, fill your shoes. Goodnight Pops.
February 12, 2016
February 12, 2016
May god continue to give you strength in your time of need.
From your Vitas Family
January 30, 2016
January 30, 2016
Sissie, I was so sorry to read of your husbands passing. You may not remember me, but we worked together at Wards in 1968. I was Pat Robertson then and lived in those apartments behind Wards. I have such fond memories of you and your family from that time. I know how special Lester was to you. I will be thinking of you and your whole family. Best regards.
January 29, 2016
January 29, 2016
We have been friends with Lester and Sissie for many years.We went camping, fishing & hunting when our children were young and had many great times together. We know you are looking down from Heaven with that wonderful smile. Rest in Peace good friend.
January 27, 2016
January 27, 2016
Lester was one of the best persons I ever knew. He had a heart of gold and was always helping someone. He was a wonderful family man and a good friend. He was the kind if man that people looked up to. Rest in peace my friend. You will be greatly missed. My prayers are with all of the family.
January 26, 2016
January 26, 2016
You can tell by the pictures posted that Lester loved his family and friends. There is not a picture posted in his memorial that he does not have a smile on his face. He treated everyone as family, including my husband and myself. We just feel privileged to have known him. Prayers for all of his family.
January 26, 2016
January 26, 2016
My Relationship to Uncle Lester was thru my Wife- Kathy,, for which He is her Uncle. I Have to Say- He Was the Kind of Man That left a Positive Impact On Me! I Somehow gravitate toward him or Jerry Ray for conversation! My Take would Be -He Was Tough as Nails, w/ a Heart of Gold! Kind of Fella- You would Go to Battle With or Go Fishing With! He Ran His Race & He is in a Better Place! A Friend To Remember- Until We Meet Again!
January 25, 2016
January 25, 2016
Uncle Lester" a man with a heart as big as Texas and a smile to match!! The best looking legs to boot! Beautiful inside and out - steadfast and rock solid - may you rest in peace until we meet again - tell our loved ones hello for me and "see you soon" - forever in my heart! Much love to you all today and always in my prayers.
January 24, 2016
January 24, 2016
The last man that tied our family together couldn't been a better man to play the part of my uncle nephew & nieces both looked up to him as role models and he set the bar high We'll miss him and he will be always in our heart's. Aunt Sissie we greave with you and your in our heart & PRAYERS LUKE Jr

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Recent Tributes
January 16
January 16
It’s been eight long years since we’ve been together. Sometimes time flys and sometimes it stands still. Seems like yesterday we were at the lake fishing for that big one or just kicking back watching T.V. I miss you so much , especially when sitting on the porch at the lake drinking coffee in the early mornings. I laugh when I think of how you hate those pesky Mockingbirds! They’re still around making a hundred different sounds. Until we meet again, keep the home fire burning. I love you so much.
January 16
January 16
I cannot believe it has been 8 years since you got your wings Uncle Lester. You are missed everyday and will forever be in our hearts! Please tell Mom and Dad hello for me - love you Uncle Lester
June 14, 2023
June 14, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday Uncle Lester. I sure you miss that beautiful smile of yours! I love and miss you very much.
Recent stories

Our 53rd. anniversary

December 25, 2017

We vowed 53 years ago "Til death do us part"  but it doesn't stop there.  Our love for each other is beyond life.  I think of you every day and pray for you every night.  I miss you so much it sometimes becomes unbearable.  People may see me laugh and think I'm O.K.  but that's far from the truth.  I just put one foot in front of the other and keep on going. I see you visiting me almost every day from spring to winter in the form of a beautiful red bird and sometimes Bo comes with you. Don;'t be mad but I've been feeding the squirrels!  The same two come every day for pecans and they are adorable.  I know.  I know.  They are just rats !!  Leslie says "Poppy would be so mad at you".  But I can't resist.  Lucy even knows her name and she'll take the pecan off my toe.  You've gained two more friends, Sonny and Chris.  I miss their phone calls.  After you passed away, they both called me every week!  Now they are with you. I can't tell you how deep the hole is in my heart since you've gone.  It's something I will never get over and there is nothing to fill the void. I'll love you to the end of the earth, and with Trump in office, that may be sooner than we think.(couldn't resist).  Love you and miss you, Babe.

My Father-In-Law

January 28, 2016

Lester "Pawpaw",

You were a kind, loving, generous man who always put your family's needs before your own.  When the kids were little, you ruled your world with "the look".

You've been like a second father to me since I was sixteen years old, and I was lucky enough to get to call you father-in-law for the past twenty-four and a half years. 

Our hearts have been broken, our worlds have been fractured, and our lives will never be the same without you; however, you will always live on in our minds and through the stories we tell.  The weekend adventures to the lake will forever be changed, and our weekend card games will be one man down, but we know you will be watching over us always.

We all love and miss you more than words can ever say.

Until we meet again...

Love your daughter-in-law,

Tonja

 

 

January 24, 2016

My brother, my best friend, my support. Always there always caring. Never waiting for me to ask, just giving. My first memory is of you crying because my dad wouldn't buy us, me and Bo, any Christmas. Not for yourself. I was 4 so you would have been 13. Not caring about yourself only your little brother and sister. That exemplified your life always caring about others. You sent your money home to help mom raise me and Bo and lived your whole life taking care of mama and us.  You never failed us once. Helped me raise my boys. Teaching them to be the men they are today. My brother, my hero. I will always love you and miss you. Save me a place next to mama and Bo I'm coming home. 

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