Luther Lessard

Luther F. Lessard, age 69, long-time Greenville Public Schools teacher, passed away Sunday afternoon, November 27, 2011 at Metron of Cedar Springs. The son of Rapheal Joseph & Doris C.A. (Foster) Lessard, he was born on December 21, 1941 in Ludington. Following high school, Luther served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Northampton and after his honorable discharge from active duty continued to serve in U.S. Naval Reserve until 1983. On August 28, 1965, in Ludington, he married the former Mary Evelyn Olmstead. Mr. Lessard earned his teaching degree from Ferris State University and then taught in the business studies department at Greenville High School until retiring in 1991. He was a life member of the Greenville Optimist Club, was an active member of Spencer Mills Orthodox Presbyterian Church, in previous years had been very active with the Boy Scouts of America, and had been a member of the American Legion. Following retirement, he "went back to sea" working as a steward aboard the S.S. Badger. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Dawn Marie Howard on November 1, 2009; a half-brother, Bob Lessard; and a half-sister, Dolly Durham. Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Mary Lessard; their children, Faye & David Kyser of Cedar Springs, Stephen & Lillian Lessard of Toldeo, Ohio, and Charles Lessard of Carson City; nine grandchildren; one great grandson; two brothers, Joe & Gail Lessard of Indiana, Ronald & Lisa Lessard of North Carolina; a half-sister, Pat Rimmer of Arizona; his father-in-law, Elwyn Olmstead of Ludington; siblings-in-law, Duane Olmstead, Betty Shull, Raymond Gustafson, Polly Oliver, and Bruce & Betty Thompson; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation is Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the Christiansen Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where envelopes for memorial contributions for the Food Pantry at Spencer Mills Church will be available or feel free to bring canned good to the church to donate directly. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Spencer Mills Church, 12710 17 Mile Road off of Lincoln Lake Avenue, Gowen, with Pastor Alan Flowers officiating. Military honors, rendered by the United States Navy, will conclude the ceremonies and burial will take place privately in Spencer Mills Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Luther Lessard, please visit our flower store.