Lester Howard Elliott of Delmar passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 31, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
Lester was born Oct. 7, 1932 in Delmar, a son of the late Clarence Hayward Elliott and Bessie Emma (Evans) Elliott.
He graduated from Wicomico High School with the class of ’50, where he was a member of the first Maryland state championship soccer team ever on the Eastern Shore. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. After returning home he took a job with the Tom Houston Peanut Co. before accepting a position with DuPont Company, where he worked in several different areas over his 39 years there and retired as an Environmental Technician in 1992.
On July 17, 1954 he married the love of his life, Eleanor Lee Adkins, and together they enjoyed almost 69 years of marriage. When not working shift work at the plant, Lester would pitch in and help Eleanor raise chickens. He was an active, lifetime member of Melson United Methodist Church, where he had served in many capacities, and also volunteered as the Melson’s Cemetery Caretaker during his retirement. A long-time member of the Bi-State Ruritan, Lester never turned down a chance to help others and the community, and he can be remembered for selling ads and for his presence at chicken barbecues.
Lester enjoyed and followed many sports, and anyone who knew him knew he particularly loved the Baltimore Orioles. But he was also a loyal Baltimore Colts/Ravens fan. Lester bowled on the DuPont bowling league from the late ‘50s until his retirement, at which time he joined the Senior (Retired) League. Amazingly, he continued to bowl with the league until 2020 when he was 87 years old. He also coached and played in local church softball leagues, as well as coaching Little League and Pony League baseball.
Whether it was baseball, softball, or a friendly game of cards or dominoes, Lester had a competitive spirit and always played to win. He also played golf throughout the years and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, cutting grass and helping Eleanor with the flowers. Lester will be fondly remembered for serving his community of Melson and Delmar, and as a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend to so many. He will be greatly missed.
Lester is survived by his beloved wife, Eleanor Lee Elliott; daughter Terri Mooney and husband Tom of Parsonsburg; son Wayne Elliott and wife Stephanie of Delmar; grandchildren India Elliott, Brad Elliott, Sarah Mooney and Chris Mooney; great-granddaughter Stella Elliott; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Calvin Elliott; and sisters, Ruth Bailey and Bernice Hearn.
A visitation for family and friends was held on Wednesday, April 5 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar followed by a funeral service. The Reverend John Oltman officiated. Interment followed in Melson’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Melson United Methodist Church, 32705 Melson Rd., Delmar, MD 21875.
Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.