Lester Kluting

Lester R. Kluting, age 91, passed away at home on December 18th, 2015. His wife and daughter Laura were at his side. He was born on May 29th, 1924 in Peacock, Texas to Chester and Mattie Kluting. Lester married Doris Kuykendall on March 27th, 1959 in Roswell, NM. The marriage service was performed by Judge Perry Bean (a descendent of the famous Judge Roy Bean). He served in the Army during WWII, in Europe. He made many lasting friendships there and attended Army reunions for years. Lester had numerous jobs during his lifetime, (including farmer, postman and volunteer fireman) but his main career was in the trucking industry. The last 15 years before his retirement, Lester was a tanker driver for Truckstops of America. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to his family, other drivers, coworkers, neighbors and friends. He accepted the Lord as his Savior at a young age and lived his life as an example of Christ's love. He was a member of Fairacres Baptist Church from 1996 until his death and had a church home in every place he lived. Lester was one of 10 children and was preceded in death by his parents and eight of his siblings. He leaves behind his wife, Doris, his two daughters, Patricia McGinnis (Larry) of Arkansas and Laura Rowan (Wallace) of Las Cruces, his one grandson, Wade Cockrell of Hawaii, his sister Rebecca Phillips of Carlsbad, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other loved ones and friends. Lester's memorial service will be held at Fairacres Baptist Church on December 29th, 2015 at 2:00pm and will include military honors. Pastor Chip Moore of Fairacres Baptist Church and Pastor Floyd Goodloe of Capitan, NM will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations (in Lester's name) to Mesilla Valley Hospice or Fairacres Baptist Church.