COLUMBUS
Lester “Les” A. England, 79, of Columbus, passed from this life at 8:15 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2025 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Les was born September 27, 1945, in Edmonton, Kentucky, the son of William E. and Dorothy M. Shirley England. On August 1, 1964 he married JoAnn Weddle. She proceeded him in death July 19, 2021.
Lester graduated from Columbus High School in 1963. He served in the United States Army and the Indiana Army National Guard from 1963 through 1994, retiring as a First Sergeant December 31, 1994. After retirement from the military he worked as a civilian for the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department and served as the Director of the Bartholomew County Emergency Operations Center from October 2000 to January 2007. He also served as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department and as a Reserve Deputy Marshall for the Edinburgh Police Department.
Mr. England was a member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles and American Legion. He also volunteered as a crew member for the Columbus Indiana Huey.
Survivors include his companion, Linda L. Perry; children, Christopher L. (Diane) England of Taylorsville, Tony D. (Jill) England of Hope, Leslie R. (Jerry) Smith of Columbus, Elizabeth A. (Michael) Orr, also of Columbus, Randy S. England of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, Lisa D. Sweet of Florida; sisters, Betty Whittington, Jeanette Ferrenburg; sister-in-law, Catherine England; 14 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, JoAnn; brother, Roger England; sister, Wanda Coy; grandsons, Logan Mason, Brian England; son-in-law, Joe Sweet; brothers-in-law, Carl Whittington and Michael Ferrenburg.
The funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with Pastor Ancel Harden officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Burial will take place at Garland Brook Cemetery next to is wife, JoAnn. Military honors will be presented by the Indiana Army Reserve National Guard Honor Guard and the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the England family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
