Lester W. Utley, 88, of Jacksonville, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at his home in Jacksonville. He was born January 17, 1933, in a farmhouse north of Fisk, MO, to his parents Roy and Elsie Utley. He married his high school sweetheart, Colleen Wilson, on October 6, 1951, in Pocahontas, AR. He and his bride moved to San Diego, CA, where he graduated boot camp with honors and qualified expert on the firing range. He served our country in Korea and played taps at the third raising of our flag on Iwo Jima. In 1960, Lester became a born-again Christian under the ministry of Rev. Rudolph Higgerson in Poplar Bluff, MO. He served the Lord in several churches through construction work and by holding various offices. He demonstrated his love for God through giving gifts ad donating his time; he was incredibly generous. He was a founding member of Lighthouse Baptist Church of Jacksonville. He is survived by his wife, Colleen "Jackie" Utley; two children, Roger Utley (wife Becky) of Franklin and Sheila Jones (late husband Karl) of Jacksonville; four grandchildren, Kathy Fauth (husband Doug) of Peoria, Don Utley (wife MaryAnn) of Murrayville, Gretchen Tonellato (husband Joseph) of Jacksonville, and Elizabeth Lamb (husband Jared) of Schererville, IN; and also eight great grandchildren, Tyler Fauth, Ashley Fauth, Nick Fauth, Allie Utley, Cassidy Utley, Blake Utley, Lyric Lamb, and Samantha Tonellato. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patricia Ann Nalley; and son-in-law, Karl Jones. He retired as an engineer with WIPCO. He enjoyed going on an Honor Flight with a granddaughter in 2016. He proudly walked in parades carrying our flag with the Marine Corp League. He was a member of the Kiwanis. He loved his wife and family very much, and he treated everyone with fairness and integrity. He described himself as a U.S. Marine, construction specialist (churches, houses, powerlines, and powerplants), surveyor, and a servant of the Lord. The family held a private service on Saturday, October 16, 2021. Memorials are suggested to Lighthouse Baptist Church, 310 N Clay Ave., Jacksonville, IL 62650. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.