Lester Dale Halmrast , 86 years, passed peacefully to be with His Lord on January 7, 2019.

He was born and raised in DeLamere, N.D. He was confirmed in the ELCA Lutheran Church as a young man and was a lifelong Lutheran. He was a Boy Scout and played on all of the High School sports team along with his brothers. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a high level of energy for creating, painting, growing plants, and caring for God's creatures throughout his life.

Lester was a loving and attentive husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Lester was affectionately called Les by his family and friends and grandpa by his immediate family. Les served 20 years in the USAF. He retired a SMSGT as an Air Traffic Controller Superintendent. He was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.  He served many years in the South Pacific in the countries of the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, and Japan with a stint in England as well as stateside. He graduated High School in Delamere, N.D., received his AA and BA degrees for Business Administration from Columbia College, Columbia MO in 1977.  Les received his 50-year pin in 2012 as a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge-Windsor Lodge No. 29, Windsor, MO.

Les was proceeded in death by his parents Lillian M. (Jorgenson) Burnett and George (Adolph) Otto Halmrast, sisters; Beatrice Halmrast, Luella A. (Halmrast) Martinson and Janet I. Halmrast, brothers; Gerald A. Halmrast and Leonard W. Halmrast.

Les is survived by his wife of 66 years, Audrey Corrine (Sill) Halmrast, his son, Kevin Dale Halmrast, daughters; Rhonda Sue (Halmrast) Lebron, Brenda Lea (Halmrast) Lee, Julie Dawn (Halmrast) Frane, five grandchildren, Tristan Keith Platner, Amanda Grae Platner, Erik Shane Platner, Benjamin Barrett Lebron, Robert Karsten Lee and one great grandchild, Gabriel Christopher Platner.  He is also survived by sister, Ardith (Halmrast) Heupel and brother, Merle E. Halmrast.

Grandpa was the embodiment of everything good in our world. We will miss him terribly, but we will still have his words, his paintings, his wisdom and his love. His gentle nurturing, inspiring words, and gifts from the heart will be with us always. He believed that no matter what happened, that this is still a beautiful world.

The below is an excerpt from one of his prayers exemplifying his living spirit.

"Thus we know Father, that it is in your grace, your love, your kindness, your patience, your compassion, your understanding, your forgiveness, and the many, many blessings we receive every day, along with the divine instruction we receive through the Holy Scripture and the Gospel, that enables us to walk down the path that leads to a happy, joyful, and productive life on earth, amidst all the trials, tribulations, troubles, calamities, and catastrophes  that befall mankind every day, while we wait for that final day when we leave this body and this earth and go home to your kingdom."

Les has arrived home after a long and fruitful earthly life, beloved by many.

There will be a Celebration of Life for the family with date to be determined in the future. Should you wish to send cards and condolences to the family please send to:

Mrs. Audrey Halmrast

229 S. Jefferson Street

Centralia, MO. 65240