Lester James Carper (Poke), 84, died Saturday morning at Kingston Nursing after several months of illness.

Lester was born in Washingtonville. He was the son of the late Wilmer Carper and Netta (Nungesser) Carper. He was a resident of the Bloomsburg area for most of his adult life until the last three years when he resided in Pittston with his daughter Lori and her husband Carl due to illness.

Lester was a 1957 graduate of Danville High School. He was a member of the high school wrestling team. He worked for PennDOT as a bridge and highway inspector for 38 years, after a brief retirement of one year, he returned to work, working for several consultants for another 15 years as a highway inspector. He retired at age 72.

Lester enjoyed hunting and fishing his entire life. He also enjoyed listening to country music and dancing at several local VFW's and attending high school wrestling. Lester attended all of his children's sporting events and also was very involved with his grandchildren's, sporting events. Lester coached both of his sons' little league teams, winning the Triple Crown Championship several years in a row.

He is survived by three children: Douglas Carper of Hazleton, Bryan Carper and wife, Mary of Shickshinny and Lori Ann Bittenbender and husband, Carl of Pittston; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother: John Carper of Danville and a sister Grace Phillips of Orangeville and many nieces and nephews.

Lester was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years; Donna (Bogart) Carper and sisters: Sara Moyer and Mary Artley and a brother, Roland Carper.

A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.

Funeral Services will continue on with Rev. Michael Spagnuolo, Catawissa Christian Church, officiating. Graveside committal services will immediately follow at New Rosemont Cemetery, Bloomsburg. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to be serving the Carper family.

Memorial contributions in Lester's name are suggested to: Hospice of Sacred Heart, 100 William St. Dunmore, PA 18510. Friends and family wishing to send a memorial gift, share a personal memory or offer condolences to the family, a Memorial Tribute Page in Lester's honor and a Sympathy Store are available at www.Allen-FuneralHome.com .