Lester E. Thwaits

Lester E. Thwaits, age 92, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

He was born on January 5, 1933, in Darke County, Ohio, to the late Edward and Ethel (Thomas) Thwaits.

In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by his siblings, Marjorie Goodpaster, Arlene (Bill) Ahrns, Marilyn Charles, Wilbur Thwaits, and Esther (Lawrence Oaks) Ross.

Lester is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Lou (Hole) Thwaits, whom he married in Portland, Indiana in 1953; his daughter, Ann (Jed) Brubaker of Greenville, and his three grandchildren, Rhiannon Brubaker of Greenville, Taylor (Brandey) Brubaker of Arcanum, and Logan (Kaila) Brubaker of Arcanum; his great grandchildren, Lennon and Laikyn, and Beckett, Berklee, and Bridger; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lester was a 1950 graduate of Greenville High School. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he honorably served his country. After returning home, Lester began a 31-year career as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1988.

An active member of the Greenville VFW, Lester volunteered with the honor guard for more than 20 years. Through this service, he paid tribute to fellow veterans by conducting more than 2,000 funeral honors during his lifetime.

Lester was an avid reader who always enjoyed picking up a new book. In his younger years, he earned his pilot’s license and was a part-owner of an airplane, which he loved to fly. If you knew Lester, you knew he never met a stranger. He treated everyone as a friend and was always willing to help those in need, often opening his own home to provide a place to stay and a warm meal. It was not uncommon for him to support charitable organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Christian organizations dedicated to helping children abroad.

Though he truly had a servant’s heart, Lester was also a jokester. He loved sharing jokes and playing pranks on family and friends, always wanting to make sure everyone was laughing and having a good time. Lester had a deep love for animals, especially his dogs, Whitey and Cowboy. He was also a spiritual person who enjoyed learning about different religions.

Lester’s life was one of service, generosity, curiosity, and joy, and he leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will be remembered by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Lester’s life and military honors will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville.

Guests may visit with his family on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 3:00 PM until the start of the service at 5:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Lester, may be given to the Greenville Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.