Ernest L. Lester Sr.

Ernest L. Lester Sr., affectionately known as “Chubby,” son of the late Othal M. Lester Sr. and the late Norma Banks, was born on December 2, 1931. He spent his childhood in the borough of Edgemont in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with loving family members, including his stepmother, the late Pauline Lester, and his stepsister, Oddie Lee Williams. Ernest’s formative education culminated with his graduation from William Penn High School in Harrisburg in 1950. He later attended Lincoln State College, now Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, where he majored in biology and participated in the university’s track program. During his enrollment, he competed at the prestigious Penn Relays in Philadelphia, where he placed in the semifinals. While attending this historically Black university, Ernest was initiated into the Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated and became both an International and District Life Member of the brotherhood. For more than 74 years, he served in many capacities, generously giving his time and talents to facilitate and implement the chapter’s mandated programs, which provided support and resources to communities throughout the City of Harrisburg. In 1952, Ernest entered the United States Air Force, serving as a crew chief during the Korean War and was stationed in the U.S. in the State of Georgia. After his honorable discharge, Ernest established a home with his wife and children. The family resided on Boas Street in Midtown Harrisburg and later at 1424 Verbeke Street in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where Ernest lived for many years before becoming ill. During his marriage to Mary Margaret Dawson, affectionately known as “Peggy,” Ernest became the proud father of four children: his daughter, Stephanie Lester Martin of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and his three sons, Ernest L. Lester Jr. of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Hakeem Tahir of Florida; and Kevin Lester of South Carolina. Ernest worked at the Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as a computer systems analyst. He retired from that position in 1996 after 20 years of dedicated service, during which he received numerous professional awards and acknowledgments. Ernest also became a well-known entrepreneur, creating and managing businesses and properties that served and entertained residents throughout the City of Harrisburg. In addition, he was employed by the Alternative Rehabilitative Communities Program, which provided treatment and care for court-adjudicated youth. He also touched the lives of hundreds of customers who became friends and extended family through the Manna Café Sunday Soul Food Buffet, alongside his brothers of the Kappa Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Among Ernest’s many interests were watching sports, tactical fighting styles, traveling, keeping up with CNN news programs, clothing, colognes, and fine dining. He was also known for enjoying a rare steak, sausages, bacon, baked and fried fish, baked goods, specialty soups, ice cream, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, cheese puffs, and coffee with French vanilla creamer—preferably from Dunkin Donuts, now known as Dunkin’. He also enjoyed a cup of water or ginger ale with plenty of ice. On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Ernest, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, family member, and friend, peacefully transitioned at the Carolyn Croxton Slane Hospice Residence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. While receiving comfort care, Ernest was blessed with the presence of loving family members and friends until the moment he was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. Ernest leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Stephanie Lester Martin of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; his sons, Ernest L. Lester Jr. of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Hakeem Tahir of Florida, and Kevin Lester of South Carolina; his grandchildren, Whitney Coleman, Raven Lester, Trejor Lester, and Shaunessey Lester; his beloved great-grandchildren, Laken Elise Hayes, Londyn Jana’e Hayes, Braylen King Smith, and Jhonas Erolien; his siblings, Othal Lester Jr. and the former Kathy (Lester) Martin; and a host of extended family members, fraternity brothers, church family, loved ones, and friends whose lives were touched by his presence. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS, OR LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery: 8:30 a.m., Saturday, September 26, at Redeem United Church of Jesus Christ. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 12 noon, at Redeem United Church, 860 Wood Street, Steelton, PA 17113

Ernest L. Lester Sr.

December 2, 1931 - August 18, 2026