Lester Charles Livingood

Lester Charles Livingood passed away May 30, 2019 in Olympia, Washington. He was born August 17, 1922 to Charles and Esther Livingood in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Lester completed his eighth grade education (age 13) in a one-room school house in Detroit Lakes. He attended Sig C Bell Telephone school while in the Air Force, attended an agricultural school on the GI Bill, and then Bates Auto Mechanic School. He served in the 4135th Army Air Force Base Unit from October 1942 to 1945 as an occupation telephone lineman. He was involved in battles and campaigns in Naples and Rome, and received several decorations, including an American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with two bronze stars, Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Lester worked hard his whole life, starting at age eight by driving a tractor on the family farm. After the service, he raised milk cows and farmed in Detroit Lakes for five years. He had a Mobil Station in Olivia, Minnesota, followed by a Mobil Station in Olympia. He owned/operated Livingood Auto Repair and Tractor Rental in Lacey, Washington. In the 1970s, he started mail routes, which he did for 20 years. Lester had a great sense of humor. He loved being outdoors, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and mowing his lawn. He loved playing cards with family, and traveling around America in his motorhome. He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia. He is survived by his sons, Ronald Livingood and Richard Livingood; daughters, Lana Bluhm, Barbara Connelly, and Betty Livingood; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brother, Harlan Livingood; and sisters, Charlene Johnson and Marlys Brahmer. He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Donna L. (Johnson) Livingood (1/23/2011); son, Charles Livingood; brothers, Edwin, Curt, Dean, Leonard and Dale; and sisters, Gladys, Myrtle, Vernes, and Alice. Services will be held Wednesday, June 5, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at Masonic Memorial Park, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.