Lester M. Tirrill

Lester Marvin Tirrill

Oct. 25, 1923 - Jan. 16, 2013

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Lester Marvin Tirrill, 89, of McCook, died Jan. 16, 2013, at McCook Community Hospital.

He was born Oct. 25, 1923, in McCook, the son of Tom E. Tirrill and Mary Ella Morasch.

On March 25, 1943, he entered the US Army and served during World War II. During his 26 months in North Africa and Italy, he was awarded four battle stars, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation, and the Purple Heart for being wounded in action in Italy. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 8, 1945.

On March 2, 1946, he was united in marriage to LaVerne L. Lytle at McCook. To this union three children were born. Lester worked as an auto body technician for Volentine Auto, Hormel Chevrolet, Anderson Ford and Kool Chevrolet.

He was a 50-year plus member of Memorial United Methodist Church. Other memberships included McCook VFW Post No. 1652, McCook American Legion Post No. 203, and McCook Elks No. 1434. Lester and LaVerne loved to dance and were members of the Family Frolic Square Dance Club. He enjoyed woodworking having built his own home and made each of his children a desk. He also spent many hours welding and metal working, hunting and fishing, raising hogs and spending devoted time to his family especially his grandchildren.

Lester was preceded in death by his wife, LaVerne L. Lytle; father and mother, Tom E. and Mary Ella Tirrill; four sisters, Iva McNutt, Maudie Oberg, Dorothy Lunkwitz, and Elizabeth Edwards; and grandson Michael Hall.

Surviving are his son, Tom and wife, Kelly Tirrill, of McCook; daughters, Linda and husband, Jerry Hall and Kathy and husband, Terry Doyle, all of McCook; grandsons, Dennis and wife, Deb Hall, of Kearney, Missouri, Scott Doyle of Lincoln, Nebraska, Chad Doyle of Phoenix, Arizona, Matthew Tirrill of McCook, and Dusty Tirrill and wife, Bobbi, of McCook; five great-grandchildren, Ayla and husband, Richard Fairchild, Krista Hall, Alesha Hall, Tab Hall, and Evan Doyle; and one great-great grandchild Jaden Hall; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Visitation will be at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home, in McCook on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, from 4-8 p.m.

Services will be Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at the Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with Rev. Lance Clay officiating. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in McCook.

Memorials may be given in his name. To send online condolences to the family go to www.carpenterbreland.com

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.