David Arden Lester, 78, of Hanover, WV, lost his battle with cancer April 13, 2016 at the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, WV.

Ardie was born February 28, 1938, the youngest child of the late William and Ellen Smith Lester. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Shirley, Chester and Hershel Lester; sisters, Thelma Bishop and Austine Morgan; brother-in-law Bob Cline; and father and mother-in-law, Howard and Evelyn Cline.

He was a retired coal miner with 32 years of service and a member of the UMWA. He was an avid fox hunter and animal lover. He was a loyal Mountaineer fan and loved going to church. He attended Hanover Baptist Church in Hanover. Ardie also loved spending time with his family and his dog Max. He taught his dog Beau many tricks much to the delight of his family.

Ardie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Thelma Cline Lester; one daughter, Kim and John Estep; four sons Kip and Connie Lester, Jamie and Jennifer Lester, Jeff and Julia Meade, and Randy Lester who lived at home and was also a caretaker during his illness; seven grandchildren, John David and Jocelyn Estep, Zach Lester, Jacob, Justin and Cooper Lester and Kelsey Meade; three great grandchildren, Ethan Swearingen, Riley and Maddie Lester; one sister, Maxine Bishop; sisters-in-law Ines Lester, Sue Cline, Charlotte Rose, Susan Toler, Trish and Junior Hatfield and Sharon and Tom Cline; and brothers-in-law Pete Morgan and Mark Cline. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, his hunting buddies; his church family and he his dog and companion Max.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 11 o'clock at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger, WV, with Pastor Jackie Lester officiating. Burial will follow at Palm Memorial Gardens in Matheny, WV. Serving as pallbearers will be Wayne Addair, Tracy and Mackie Cline, Mack Proffit, Clarence Blankenship, Derrick Stacy and Bill Roberts. Honorary pallbearers will be, Estil Morgan, Huey Miller, Bennie Morgan, Ronnie Toler and Ozie Hatfield. His family and the people he loved knew that they couldn't be loved more deeply and compassionately than they were from him every day of his life. He will be truly missed.

Friends may visit with the family Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger, WV.

Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger is assisting the Lester Family.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fanningfuneralhomes.com