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Lester Tyson (Les) September 16, 1937 - September 19, 2021

September 17, 1937 ~ September 19, 2021

Lester (Les) was born into a large family in St. Cloud, Florida to Walton and Viola Tyson.  He was an identical twin to his brother Leslie.  It was never a dull moment in St. Cloud as he was one of nine Tyson children.  As a young man he enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in the family-owned orange groves and dodging the occasional alligator.  After high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and after a short period in Texas, was relocated to California where he and his brother worked on B-52 planes at Castle Air Force Base in Merced.  It was here that he met his caring wife Judi and decided to stay and build a family.

Les worked in the automotive industry for most of his life – m of his career was spent as the service manager at Smith Chevrolet for 26 years and then spending the last 20 years at Associated Feed and Supply.  He was a very hard worker and didn’t retire until 2020.   As a follower of Christ, he was also an active member of Monte Vista Chapel.  He served in many different ministries over the years such as building sets in the Nativity drive-thru, fixing automobiles for single women, helping the young boys in “Boys Brigade”, serving as an Elder, caring for the physical needs of the church on special workdays but his favorite position was as an usher where he could greet all he met with a friendly smile. Les loved the Lord and this love guided him to serve where he was needed.  He enjoyed gardening and was handy and helpful in every way.  Les was a humble, gentle person and kind to all he met.  He will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather who could fix just about anything and gave selflessly to his family never asking for anything in return. 

Les was deeply loved and appreciated by his family.  He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Judi Tyson; children Scott (Cindy) Tyson, Vicki (Adam) Crowell and Ron (Anita) Tyson; identical twin brother Leslie Tyson and sister Mary Warden (from Florida); grandchildren Max, Logan, Luke, Ellie, Greta, Meg, Hans and Wil.  He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Samaritan’s Purse at P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or The Navigators at P.O. Box 6079 Albert Lea, MN 56007-6679.

A service to honor the life of Les will be at Allen Mortuary (247 N. Broadway) on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with reception to follow at the Carnegie Arts Center. A military interment at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery will be private.

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Condolences(7)

  1. Angel Tyson-Matthews says

    Aunt Judi and they rest of the family we were so sad too hear about Uncle Lester I know he will greatly missed! Sorry we coulnt make it eaither but you are in our thoughts and prayers. Xoxo

  2. Cheryl Zumstein says

    I had the priveldge of working with Les at Smith Chevrolet in the late 70’s. What a nice person he was in an industry that didn’t always attract nice people. My condolences to all his family.

  3. Nancy Pittman says

    Marc & I have fond memories of Les and his gentle, kind heart & deep faith. He was a true servant for the Lord!
    Our love to Judi, and the family”¦you all have a special place in our hearts.

  4. Robert Johns says

    The influence of Les Tyson in my life and in the lives of so many people came not so much from the words of his voice but rather, even more loudly, from the quiet deeds of his life .
    He was many things to many people, but to me”¦.he was my friend and I’ll always be grateful!🙏

  5. Pat Nichols says

    We are so sorry for your loss, may special memories help you and your family through this difficult time…love to all..Pat and Tom Nichols..Jenny and Luis Escobar and Trinity and Mariano

  6. Wilma olson says

    So sorry for your loss he will be remembered for his kindness and love of family miss him

  7. Arlene Carlson-Weinzirl says

    I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you Judy and your family.
    Love and hugs,

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