Gerald V. Lester, Jr.

Gerald Vernon Lester, Jr. 67, of Gilson, Illinois, died at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2026 at home.

Jr. as he was known by family and friends, was born December 31, 1958 in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Gerald Vernon and Barbara Ann (Motz) Lester, Sr. He graduated from Galesburg High School and later married Debbie Elaine Coombs on August 29, 1989.

Jr. is survived by his wife of37 years, Debbie of Gilson; his mother, Barbara Lester of Galesburg; two sons, Roger (Samantha) Magee of London Mills, Illinois and Steven (Emily) Lester of Gilson; two daughters, Nikki (Ricky) Magee and Christie (Joe) England both of Gilson; eleven grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and three brothers, Jeff Lester and Mark (Carrie) Lester both of Galesburg; and Josh (Holly) Lester of Alexis, Illinois. Jr. was preceded in death by his father.

Jr. worked several different jobs in his early years before settling in at J&J Dog Supply for 23 years; and spent the last 20 years working at National Coatings, retiring in 2023.

Jr. loved the New York Yankees, X-Files, Superman, and comic books. He was an avid collector including cars and toys and enjoyed going to car shows. Most of all, Jr. loved to be with his family and grandchildren.

Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Gilson Cemetery, Gilson, Illinois. Chaplain Jordan Knight will officiate. There will be no visitation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Watson Thomas Funeral Home, 1849 N. Seminary ST., Galesburg, IL 61401. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.