John Harvey Lester, Jr., 98, of Pensacola, FL passed away Monday, October 5, 2026.

Harvey was born in Atlanta, GA on December 5, 1927, the son of John Harvey Lester, Sr. and Emily Schell Lester.

Harvey graduated from Atlanta Boys' High, completed a year at Vanderbilt, enlisted in the US Navy, and returned to Atlanta to graduate from Georgia Tech with a degree in chemical engineering. He helped startup a Merck plant in Danville, PA for production of cortisone, and came to Pensacola in 1953 for startup of the Chemstrand Monsanto nylon intermediates plant. Harvey held lead positions in implementing major changes in the processes utilized at the Pensacola plant and at the Decatur Alabama plant. He was a registered professional engineer. Harvey was also a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, Pensacola. He also enjoyed amateur radio; his two-way radio contact was K4HL (City of Five Flags).

Survivors include his wife, Odean H. Lester; a son, John Lester (Ann); grandson, Mason Lester; as well as nephews and nieces; and Odean's children, Jack Morrell, Susan McConaghy, Kevin Morell and their families.

Harvey is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Mosley Lester; a brother, William Lester; a sister, Betty Holcombe; as well as a grand-niece, Megan Hill Kendall.

A graveside service will be held 2:00pm Sunday, October 18, 2026, at St. John’s Cemetery, 301 N G St., Pensacola, FL 32501, with Chaplain Jim Stickle officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to First United Methodist Church, Pensacola, FL.