LETHA LESTER ATTENDS HUSBAND'S LAST RITES
Mrs. Letha Lester, awaiting a preliminary hearing here on the charge of first
degree murder, was taken under guard today at the Evergreen cemetery to attend
the funeral of her husband, Earl J. Lester, who authorities say she shot to
death Sunday after a quarrel over his alleged relations with another woman.
Lester, a World war veteran, was buried by the American Legion, Rev. W. H. Grace
officiated at the ritual in his capacity as chaplain of the Guy Drews Legion
post. A color guard, a firing squad and pallbearers stood about the grave during
the service. Sheriff Norman Berkedal served as bugler and blew "taps" at the end
of the ritual. Before taps were played, the firing squad fired a salute.
With Mrs. Lester at the cemetery were her daughter, Margaret, 14, and Lester's
brother, James. Mrs. Lester was taken back to her cell in the women's quarters
of the jail immediately after the services.
Mrs. Lester's daughter, who was attending a private school in Green Bay, was
told of the tragedy yesterday. According to authorities the child was brought
here last night to see her mother. With Attorney Edward Meyer, who represents
Mrs. Lester, the girl and her mother conversed for some time in the living room
of the sheriff's quarters.
(snip)
Manitowoc Herald Times, February 17, 1937 P. 1
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Mother and Daughter Sob As Earl Lester is Buried
Earl J. Lester, who was shot to death Sunday morning in an argument over his
alleged relations with the Mrs. Kasha Newberger, tavern hostess, was buried at
the Evergreen cemetery here yesterday in a military funeral conducted by the Guy
Drew American Legion post.
Standing at the graveside throughout the service, which was conducted by Rev. W.
H. Grace in his capacity as Legion chaplain were Mrs. Lehta Lester, held on a
first degree murder charge for shooting her husband; Margaret Lester, the
couple's 14 year old daughter; James Lester, brother of the deceased; friends
and members of the local Legion post.
(snip)
As Rev. Grace completed the reading of the Legion service he took the American
flag from the top of the coffin, folded it up and handed it to Mrs. Lester. She
held it as the firing squad lifted rifles into the air and fired three volleys.
During the firing Color Bearer Trot Eckhart dipped the flag. As the firing
ceased Sheriff Norman Berkedal, standing near the squad, blew taps. Rev. Grace
took the flag from Mrs. Lester as the service ended.
(snip)
The coffin, accompanied by the Legion delegation, left the Shimek and Schwartz
funeral home shortly after three o'clock yesterday afternoon. The street was
packed with cars, most of which belonged to members of the Legion and friends of
Lester. Curiosity seekers, however, stood along the walks as Mrs. Lester and her
daughter came from the funeral home and were escorted to an automobile to drive
to the cemetery. Heading the procession was Motorcycle Officer George Darbant.
The color guard and several cars preceded the hearse. Behind the hearse was the
machine in which Margaret and Mrs. Lester were riding.
(snip)
Manitowoc Herald Times, February 18, 1937 P. 2