Lester Beryl Bywater, the son of James Benjamin and Armillda Helen Bywater, was born on February 12, 1938, in Tarkio, Missouri. He was one of 11 children. He grew up in Tarkio where he enjoyed playing sports like baseball and football.

Lester met Marian and eloped to Pineville, Louisiana where they were united in marriage on August 29, 1959. From this union, they were blessed with six children: Christina, Carol, Regina, Richele, David, and Cherie. The family lived in several states before settling in Avoca, Iowa, where Lester worked as a plant foreman for many years before he retired.

He loved gardening and fishing. No one grew a better tomato or told a taller fishing tale. Once Lester and Marian became empty nesters, they enjoyed many wonderful winters in Florida with their daughter Cherie and her family. They also enjoyed spending their summers camping and fishing with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Lester passed away on Monday, November 24th, 2025, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa. He had reached the age of 87 years, 9 months, and 12 days. Lester was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Regina Garner; two sons-in-law; six brothers; and three sisters.

 He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Annie (Tom) Bowers; his children, Christina (Dennis) Quick, Carol (Barney) Thomsen, Richele Walker, David (Christene) Bywater, Cherie Porter; his grandchildren, Joshua, Heather, Cory, Eric, Travis, Nelson, Karli, Jack, Grant, Cole, and Chelsie; two great-grandchildren, Peyton and Chloe; and many other loving family members.