Lester Lee Hillbrant, 86, Iola, died Sunday, May 10, 2015, at Homestead of Augusta.
Lester was born May 21, 1928, on a farm west of Iola, the son of Ephriam Jasper and Louella Catharine (Foley) Hillbrant. He graduated from Iola High School and Iola Junior College. Lester farmed for several years before operating a tree service business with his brother.
On Nov. 6, 1964, Lester married Rosella Dunham. They lived in Iola until moving to Olathe in 1969 where he worked as a draftsman. In 1979, they returned to Iola and he and his brother Jim operated Iola Engineering for several years. He later worked as a draftsman for Daniel Construction and H.K. Porter before retiring. Mrs. Hillbrant preceded him in death June 23, 2010.
He was a member and past Exalted Ruler of Iola Elks Lodge.
Survivors are his two daughters, Leann Buethner and husband, Matt, Augusta, and Rhonda Nash and husband, Dale, Kearney, Mo.; three grandchildren, Karleigh Buethner and Rachel and Michelle Nash; three brothers, James E. Hillbrant, John H. Hillbrant and wife, Eileen, and William “Bill” Hillbrant and wife, Thelma all of Iola.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Rosella.
Visitation will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola, prior to services at 3 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Iola Elks Lodge and left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
Lester Hillbrant
