Lester Joseph Dupre was born on June 9, 1948 to Etherline Johnson and the late Hayward Dupre. At an early age Lester accepted Christ and was baptized at the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Eunice, LA by the late Dr. Joshua G. Frank, Sr. Lester was an active youth in his church and later became a member of the New Heaven Missionary Baptist Church of Pacoima, CA.

Lester attended Charles Drew where he participated in the Marching Band as a Trombone player and also played on the football team. After graduating from Charles Drew High School in 1966, he desired better opportunities for himself which led him to Southern California. He attended Los Angeles Valley College where he pursued an A.A Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Lester was a valued employee at General Motors in Van Nuys, CA. During his tenure there, he was a proud advocate for his Union and co-workers. He was one not to back down or succumb to fear when it came to getting the job done or standing up for what was right. He was the prime example of the scripture: II Timothy 1:7 which says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Throughout his transitions in the company he finally retired from General Motors in Rancho Cucamonga, CA after 43 years of service. He genuinely enjoyed his automotive career along with his co-workers whom he considered his dear friends.

Lester married the love of his life, Nazie Dupre, on July 23, 1976. To this union five beautiful daughters were born: Stephanie Yvette, Marian Andrea, Sherrell Monique, Tara Shanell and Terry Shantel. Lester and Nazie spent the rest of their lives together in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Lester loved the Lord, his family and everyone he came in contact with. Once you met Lester, he left a lasting impression with his baritone voice and infectious smile. In his pastime, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, carpentry work, socializing, playing dominoes, watching sports, barbequing and everyone knows “Big” Les loved to get his rest.

Lester will be remembered for his love of his family, friends, generosity, calm and gentle spirit, loyalty and his quality of life which spoke for itself. His family made him so happy and proud, that everyone he met he would tell them aloud.

Those left to cherish his memories and celebrate a life well spent are his devoted and faithful wife, Nazie Dean Dupre; his mother, Etherline Johnson Beans; five daughters, Stephanie D. (John) Prudhomme of Eunice, LA; Andrea (Desmond) Atkins of Los Angeles, CA; Sherrell, Tara and Terry Dupre of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; eight brothers and three sisters; six grandchildren, Danell R. Issac, Jr. “DJ”, Taylor R. Atkins, Bethany S. Issac, Trevor R. Atkins, Payton C. Atkins and Mason A.M. Davis; four godchildren, Keith Brignac, Jacqueline N. Vallaree, Kendall C. Bellard, Brittany J. Frank and D’Shaya Flukers and a host of sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Hayward Dupre; his maternal grandparents, Benjamin and Bertha Jordan; Jewel Johnson; his paternal grandparents, Fred, Sr and Regina F. Dupre, one of his most cherished uncles “Bruh” Robert Harold Dupre and his beloved “baby brother” Charles Wayne Johnson.