Lester Wynne Garden, age 81, of Port Orchard, WA, passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2022. A Graveside Service to honor his life will be held at the Montana State Veteran Cemetery, Fort Harrison, on Thursday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the Lewis & Clark Veteran Council. Please join the family in honoring this veteran.
Lester was born on December 16, 1940 in Helena, MT to parents Hugh Cyril Steele Garden and Oma Stinnett. Following high school, Lester joined the United States Navy where he proudly served just over 20 years, doing two tours of duty in Vietnam, retiring in 1980 as a Chief Petty Officer from his duties in Vietnam, Lester received the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Civil Action 1C Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Campaign Medal.
Upon retiring from the Navy, Lester stayed in California where he found a new career with the Navy in the Civil Service sector as a Building Inspector which he did from 1982 until his second retirement in 2012. During this time he met his beloved wife Donna Jean Lowery. They later moved to Port Orchard, WA and were married on May 23, 1994.
An outdoorsman through and through, Lester enjoyed free time spent fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed time on the golf course with friends and watching baseball; his favorite team being the Seattle Mariners.
Lester was preceded in passing by parents, Hugh and Oma Garden; brothers, Gary, John, Butch, and Wes Garden; sisters, Margaret Olson and Mary Alice Olson.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Jean Garden Miller of Bend, OR; sons, Jeff and Curt Garden; stepchildren, Jeff and Lisa Lowery of La Center, WA, Frank and Dawn, and Vicki and Don Whitmarsh of Libby, MT; 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give a special Thanks to the staff at Edgewood Assisted Living for all the warmth and care they showed Lester and his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Lewis & Clark Veteran Council, 1185 Sonoma Dr, Helena, MT 59601 or the American Legion, Post No. 2, 3095 Villard Ave, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
10:00 AM
Thursday May 5, 2022
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd
Helena West Side, MT 59636
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
10:00 AM
Thursday May 5, 2022
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd
Helena West Side, MT 59636
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Angela Ewing-Hyyppa says
No more pain.
Thinking of you Jeff and your family.
Verna Kroll says
Jeff and Family,
You are your father’s son Jeff!
My memories of your dad were good, he was kind and seemed to always have a sense of humor! As far as I was concerned he remained part of our family because he was part of you.
Please know you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers and if you need anything we(Kroll’s) are here for you all! Love you cuz!
Catherine says
Oh Lester, I’ll always cherish walking with you while you sang Irish ballads. And to find out you’re Scottish!! You are missed my friend! Much love to the family.
Lori Kroll says
Jeff and Family,
So sorry for your Dad’s passing, he is at peace now. We have fond memories of him as being nice and funny. I spoke to John K the other day and he also had good things to say. He remembers the cool black satin tiger jackets he got for Mike, Jim and him while in Vietnam. Our thoughts are with you cousin. Love you! RIP Less……..
James a wills says
He was a good friend of mine and through the years enjoyed the reunions we had together, Jim Wills