Jeffrey Dean "Big Sid" Lester

Jeffrey Dean “Big Sid” Lester

January 11, 1964 - October 6, 2023

59 years old

The world became a better place on January 11th, 1964.  “Big Sid”, a legend, was born.  Sid spent his life in service to his family, community, and friends with his larger-than-life personality for the last 35 plus years.  He served as an EMS employee, coal miner, school security, volunteer firefighter and board president of the Phelps Volunteer Fire Department.  There weren’t many parts of the community Sid didn’t have a hand in.  Some would say the “Mayor” of Phelps, others would say “Mayor” of Bank Lane and others just called him dad, brother, son, big daddy, big dog, and Papaw Sid.  Regardless of what you called him the community knew they could call him Sid.

He spent his retirement answering personal calls and aiding anyone in need.  When he wasn’t helping, he was spending his days with the infamous S&S crew, porch sitting, pranking, and throwing shoes.  A father figure to so many with an open-door policy.  He taught them how to be tough and how to love.  The crew held a special place in his heart.  Especially his honorary sons, Cody Reynolds, Evan Hensley, Camron Smith, and James Maynard.  Sid couldn’t have raised so many kids without the help of his wife, Sue.  They were married for 25 years and shared four boys and one special “daughter” Ryan (Hope) Coleman, Maynard Coleman, Andrew (Tosha) Lester, Matt Lester, and Kourtney (Cory) Dotson.  His grandkids were the apple of his eye and the softness of his heart, Gracen Lester, Tanner Graham, Aerionna Young, Parker Coleman, and Seth Falconer.  In addition to them, he was a devoted son to his mother, Linda (Murl) Lester, who he called every day.  He was a loving brother to Karen Lester Smith, Robert (Janie Wilson) Lester, George Dotson, Marty (Virgie) Lester, Cristy (Durrell) Dunn, & Brenda Blair.  From those siblings came his beloved nieces and nephews, Shakira, Nakita, Jay, Jaycie, Austin, Oaklyn, Alexis, Ella, Dalton, Catlin, Belinda, Isabella, Emmalyn, Cooper, Demetrius, and Rylee.

In the last year of his life so many community members returned his love and support.  Closest to him was his fellow Bigfoot hunter, Gerald Fields, and Charles McGuire, who helped him fulfill his request to know the Lord, being saved, and baptized.

Sid was preceded in death by his father, Muncy Lester, and sister, Tamara “Bo” Lester.  While his presence on Earth will be missed greatly, he is in good company at heavens gate.  His family lives on to continue his legacy of service and his most important goal of finding Bigfoot. 

The family would like to invite friends Tuesday & Wednesday evening beginning October 10th, 2023, from 6:00-9:00 P.M. at the Jones & West Funeral Home in Phelps, Kentucky with special services, Wednesday at 7:00 P.M. with pastor Opie Ray Harris ministering.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, October 12th, 2023, at the funeral home with pastors Jimmy Fields and Charles McGuire officiating. 

Honoring the wishes of Big Sid, cremation will conclude the service. Jones & West Funeral Home of Phelps, Kentucky will be serving the Lester Family.  The guestbook may be viewed at www.joneswestfh.com.

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