Lester Gayheart, Sr.

Gayheart, , Lester Sr., "Budge", age 79, of Miamisburg, passed away July 11, 2018 after a lengthy illness.

He was born July 11, 1939 in a Wisconsin Coal Mining Co. Camp near Hazard, KY to the late, Ellis and Gertrude (Ritchie) Gayheart. At the age of 16 he enlisted in the US Army and served in the Infantry and the Honor Guard. Budge worked for the Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn, MI for many years. He then moved back to the Dayton area and worked as a Flooring Contractor in the expansion of the Huber Homes.

He loved hunting, fishing, gardening and mostly spending time with family. He was known as Papaw to his grandchildren and all the neighborhood kids. Lester was known for his sense of humor, wonderful storytelling, and giving nature. He was a "trash talking" checker/card/marble player who could not be beat. He was a fighter surviving numerous life threatening illnesses.

In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Wanda Gayheart Walker, Greta Fay Gayheart, 2 brothers, Carlie and Jackie Gayheart, and first wife, Mary Gayheart. He is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Kathy; son, Lester Jr (Sheila); daughter, April (Tim) Dirks; 4 grandchildren, Matthew (Cindy) Gayheart, Kyle Gayheart, Dylan Dirks, Angelia Dirks; 2 great-grandchildren, Brilee and Maddie; special nephew, Tom (Bonita) Walker, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 16, 2018 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Newcomer South Chapel 3940 Kettering Blvd. where funeral service will be held 1:30pm on Tuesday, July 17. Burial at Woodland Cemetery.