Lester Lavell Harris, 67, of Beaumont passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2008 in Destin, Florida.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 Pm on Monday, November 24, 2008 at Christian Fellowship Worship Center, 420 South Major Drive in Beaumont under the direction of Broussard’s in Nederland with Pastor Rick White officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches. A gathering of family and friends will be held from5:00 to 8:00pm Sunday, November 23, 2008 at the mortuary.
Lavell was a life-long resident of Nederland, TX, until moving to Beaumont, TX, in 2005. He knew Jesus Christ as his personal savior and worshipped at Christian Fellowship Worship Center in Beaumont. Lavell was a member of Pipe fitters' Local #195, working in various positions of the industrial trade until he became the owner of Piping Accessories Inc and Southwest Structural Steel Inc. He continued to be active with Southwest Structural Steel after selling Piping Accessories in 2006 and becoming semi-retired.
Lavell is survived by his Wife of 47 years: Mary Ann Hammock Harris; Daughters: Laurie Lynn Harris , Marla Kay McKinstry , Leslie Ann McLean; Sons-in-love: Todd Shane McKinstry , Jason Loton McLean; Grandchildren: Jayce Landon McKinstry , Avery Ann McKinstry , Britton Harris McLean, Ainsley Ann McLean; Sisters: Loretta Wade and Lillian Snell; Brother-in-law: Jerry Wade; preceded by his parents, John Dozier Harris and Ora Mae Harris. Children of His Heart: Ramona Albanese, Federico Balestrazzi , Rene DeLeon, Kevin Krueger, Jeff Pope, and Kellie Whitehead. Beloved by nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews and their children, loved ones, countless close friends, and business associates.
Lavell was gregarious, fun-loving, generous and caring—always looking out for others. He was favored by his grandchildren who always looked forward to spending time with Paw Paw—he played with them, took them many special places, and adored each and every one of them. He loved NASCAR and traveling with Mary Ann in their Motorhome. During his travels he had the opportunity to see many places in the world: New England in autumn, Disney World and Hawaii with his kids and grandkids, whale watching in Alaska and Mexico; exploring the Galapagos Islands, culture shock in Italy and the yearly family vacation to Destin, FL.
He was loved beyond measure and will be missed beyond measure by his family and all who were blessed to know him.
Memorial contribution are requested to be made to the Treasuresoftheheart.org or Christian Fellowship Worship Center Benevolent Fund, 420 South Major Drive Beaumont, Texas 77707
