Lester Raymond Sralla, Sr.

Lester Raymond Sralla, Sr., age 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family members at his home in Needville, Texas on December 17, 2015. He was born on September 4, 1922 in Hallettsville, Texas to Joe and Annie Sralla who moved to Needville with their family when Lester was seven years old. At age 16, Lester joined the Civilian Conservation Corps CCC, also known as "The Tree Army", where he fought forest fires and built roads through the East Texas Piney Woods. At age 20, Lester joined the United States Navy. He served his country in World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theater in the South Pacific aboard the USS Tennessee Battleship. Lester received the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, The Philippine Liberation Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Campaign Ribbon with seven Bronze Stars, the American Campaign Medal, the Victory WWII Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Lester was honorably discharged in 1945. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 350. After his military service, Lester was first employed by Dow Chemical. Then, he worked for Fort Bend County Precinct II, where he retired after 38 years as a heavy equipment operator. Lester was a dedicated and faithful member of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Needville. He loved fishing on the Brazos River and working in his yard and vegetable garden. Lester was a devoted husband, father, and grandparent. He started each day by praying "God give me wisdom today." Needless to say, he was incredibly wise, and was loved and respected by everyone. Lester is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Annie Sralla, brother, Alvin "Hap" Sralla, and numerous brothers in law and sisters in law. He is survived by his wonderful, loving wife of 63 years, Rosalie Sabrsula Sralla, children Lester Sralla, Jr. and wife, Joyce, Kathryn Morrison and husband, Robert, and Connie Teykl and husband, Craig as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to a visitation from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 21, 2015 at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 9122 Church Street, Needville, Texas. Burial with military honors will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Needville or to the American Cancer Society. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the team from Vantage Hospice for their warm and compassionate care. Words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd.; Rosenberg, Texas. Phone: 281-341-8800.

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Lester Raymond Sralla, Sr.

September 4, 1922 - December 17, 2015