Lester Leon Pope was born in Ripley, California to John and Eva May Pope. He was the youngest of four children. His family worked in the farming industry.

Lester grew up in Blythe, California, where he graduated from Palo Verde High in 1966. Lester and Deborah met through family gatherings and school activities. After graduation, he was drafted into the military where he served 3 years.

During his time, he and Deborah kept in touch by corresponding. Before leaving for Vietnam, Lester and Deborah visited Jalama Beach. Lester told Deborah, "When I come home, I'm gonna change your name." Occasionally, Lester's cousin Essie and her husband Dean worked as an air traffic controller. Dean would help Lester obtain flights from Fort Hood, Texas to Phoenix, Arizona where Lester would board a bus to Blythe to visit Deborah.

After his discharge from the service, he married his wife Deborah Walker on March 12, 1971. After marrying, he and Deborah had two children, Kandice Michelle and Nicole Rae. He was a grandfather, or "papa" to 3 grandchildren, Kayley, Tristan, and Preston. During their marriage, Lester and Deborah bought 2 homes and invested into 2 small businesses.

Lester and Deborah started a home bible study in their first home at Cibola. After studying the truth, they both dedicated their life to Jehovah God. They were baptized together at the Divine Victory Convention in 1973 at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Lester became an elder in the congregation and remained faithful until the end.

Lester worked at the Palo Verde Irrigation District as a foreman. He held 2 licenses for spray operations which enabled him to spray chemicals all over the valley. He was well known throughout the community. After 40 years of service at PVID, he retired.

After retirement, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family. He loved the outdoors, whether it was riding skis out on the Colorado River or driving around the desert in his Jeep. Lester loved watching the LA Dodgers play on TV and even went to a few of their games. He got to watch the Dodgers win the World Series back in 2020. Lester was one of their biggest fans.

Lester has a 1958 BMW Isetta show car that he entered into a car show where he won 1st place for "most unique." Lester was a very enthusiastic man who had many interests and hobbies. Lester had a green thumb for planting all kinds of things from vegetables to trees. He was a real jokester, always trying to make someone laugh to brighten their day.

Lester and Deborah were married 51 years.  Lester was a very good man, husband, father, and papa. He will be extremely missed by many.

Visitation will be held for Lester on Wednesday, May 11th from 5-7:00 p.m. at Frye Chapel. Funeral service will be held Thursday, May 12th at 10:00 a.m. also at Frye Chapel with Military Honors and burial following at Palo Verde Cemetery.