Submitted by: Dan Rich

Lester Eugene Quimby

Aug. 31, 1911 - May 15, 2006

South Bend Tribune 5/17/2006                                        

Lester Eugene Quimby, 94, of South Bend, passed away Monday morning, May 15, 2006, after an extended illness. Lester was born on August 31, 1911, to Ralph and Mary Quimby of South Bend. He was a graduate of South Bend Central High School.

Following high school, Lester served one year in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 in Brown County, Indiana. It was there he met Flora Belle Carter, who became his wife on May 12, 1934. Flora Belle survives along with two sons, Donald (Beverly) Quimby, Granger, Barry (Janet) Quimby, Osceola. Lester, the oldest of 12 children, is also survived by two sisters, Mary Lu (Charles) Whiting, South Bend, and Patricia Reader of Carmel.

Lester was very proud of his seven grandchildren, Steven (Susan) Quimby, Noblesville, Michael (Misty) Quimby, Indianapolis, Susan (Ken) Kertes, Granger, Jeffery Quimby, Fishers, Abigail Basham, Osceola, Belinda Quimby, Bloomington, and Camilla (Blaine) Shaw, Osceola. Lester also had four great-grandchildren, Lauren and Kristen Quimby, Indianapolis, and Matthew and Paige Kertes, Granger. Lester was preceded in death by one son, Tommy Lee, as well as several brothers and sisters.

Lester enjoyed fishing and hunting. His passion for fishing led him to begin selling live bait at the age of 14, and he continued to sell live fishing bait to area fisherman for 40 years. Later in life, he was employed at South Bend Water Works where he retired in 1974.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday, May 18, 2006, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola. Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 19, 2006, at 10:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or to The American Cancer Society.