Lester W. Henschen, 80, 8282 Botkins Road, New Knoxville, died at 2:33 a.m. Feb. 24, 2007, at Lima Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness.

He was born Sept. 18, 1926, in Shelby County, to Ferdinand and Lydia Feldwisch Henschen. On May 20, 1950, he married Ruth Schroer, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Mark (Sherry) and Kevin, all of New Knoxville; a daughter-in-law, Luan, New Knoxville; a brother, Howard (Jean), New Knoxville; a sister, Melba, New Knoxville; and five grandchildren.

Deceased is a son, Jeff.

He was a farmer, a 1944 graduate of New Knoxville High School and a veteran of the U.S. Merchant Marines serving in World War II. He was a member of First United Church of Christ, New Knoxville, where he served as deacon and a substitute Sunday school teacher, and also was a member of American Legion Post 444, New Knoxville.

Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. David A. Williams officiating. Burial is at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery near Moulton.

Calling is 1-5 p.m. Tuesday and 10-11 p.m. Wednesday in the Heritage Room at the church.

Contributions can be made to Radio Broadcast Fund of the church.

Arrangements are handled by Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, New Knoxville.