Lester Phillip Stagg Jr. was born on either July 26 or Aug. 26 of 1933, depending on whether you asked his mother or the state of Louisiana, but celebrating two birthdays suited him just fine. While in high school in Eunice, LA, he met his bride Velma Pedigo, and the two were wed at age 16 and 18. He was a faithful husband, honoring his vows, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for 63 years until death did they part in 2016.
He served our country in both the Army and National Guard, and it seemed every time he came home on leave, his wife blessed him with another child. After completing his time in the service, he earned his Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In 1963, the family moved to Seaford, where he worked for DuPont for 34 years, rising in the ranks to senior research engineer. He continued to serve his community as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 19, Salvation Army bellringer, and Past Master of Hiram Lodge No. 21.
His family remembers him as a jack of all trades, who knew how to fix just about anything and taught these skills to his children. He loved spending time on the boat, fishing in the pond behind his house, playing cards, solving crossword puzzles, reading Tom Clancy novels, singing silly songs to his grandkids, and watching the Redskins with his cheerleader troll dolls for good luck.
On Dec. 22, 2020, he passed away, peacefully, and well-cared for at the Manor House. In lieu of a boring funeral, he has asked that we throw a party instead, and we will do so at a later date when it is safe to gather. He is survived and will be missed by his brother, Frank Stagg, his four children and their spouses, Lester Stagg III, Duane Stagg (Sue), Belinda Marvel (Mike), and Barbara Harper (Curtis), six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. To honor his memory, his family asks that you wear your mask over your mouth and nose at all times outside your home and promptly get your COVID vaccine when available.
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.