Lester Massingill

Beloved brother, father, and husband, Lester Laban Massingill Jr left us Friday, March 2nd. Laban was born in Lufkin, Texas November 27th, 1941. He was raised in Lufkin, Houston, and Angleton with his family finally settling in the Southeast Texas region. Laban was an active child; excelling in sports and music. He became an accomplished player of the tuba, the upright bass, and was an excellent vocalist. He was a little league baseball player, known to throw ball hard and earned the nickname “Hayburner.”

As a young man his varied interests made his life a living adventure. As part of America’s greatest generation Laban became a Ham Radio builder and operator, his love of tinkering would be a lifelong pursuit. He joined the army and spent time in Germany. He became a pilot earning both private and commercial pilot ratings. He was a Sea Scout and became a capable sailor. He attended Sam Houston State University and Lamar University.

In 1973, he married Dana Ellis, who would be his lifelong love and companion. Laban always wanted a big family and shared this desire with Dana early on, telling her he wanted four kids. When she asked why 4, he simply said that it was a nice even number, to which Dana replied...well so is 2. Inevitably Laban got his way. He was blessed with 4 children; Diana, Amanda, Lester, and Susan. His children were his pride and joy. Laban was the consummate family man.

He spent 20+ years working with Mobil Oil. He was always a hard worker and frankly would have done anything to provide for his beloved family. In his later years, he was the immensely proud grandfather of 4 grandchildren; Carly, Katy, Charlie and Abby. He loved his grandchildren like they were his own.

Its difficult to chronicle in so few words, the well lived life of a good man. There is not a soul who met him who didn’t like him immensely. He was a lifelong Christian and a faithful servant of God and believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Now Laban has left us to be with his Heavenly Father. We love him, and we ALL will miss him.

He is preceded in death by his parents,Lester Laban Massingill Sr and Tensie Juanita Taylor Massingill. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Dana Ellis Massingill of Beaumont, Texas, son, Lester Massingill, of Beaumont, Texas, daughters Diana Champion (husband Carl) of Burlington, NJ, Amanda Johnson (husband Raleigh) of Beaumont, Texas, and Susan Belcastro (husband Mark) of Rosharon, Texas, grandchildren Abigail Darby, Carly Champion, Katryn Champion, and Charles Champion, brothers Lewis Massingill (wife Cynthia) of Brazoria, Texas, and Morris Massingill (wife Pam) of Angleton, Texas, sisters, Elizabeth Doumas of Keller, Texas, and Annette Jones (husband Mike) of Angleton, Texas.

Memorial service will be at Lumberton Family Funeral Home, 766 South Main St. Lumberton, Texas 77657 with Rev Nathan Keating officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 6, from 2-4 pm followed by the service from 3-4pm.

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