Lester Gray

Lester Leroy Gray passed away to his heavenly home on July 10, 2026, at his home in Browns Park, Abilene, with his family by his side.

He was born July 7, 1944 at the family farmhouse in Ottawa County, Kansas. Lester attended Hilltop country school for 5 years and continued his grade school and high school years at Miltonvale High School in Miltonvale, Kansas. Lester played football and enjoyed playing the tuba in the band.

After graduating he attended Topeka Technical College in Topeka, Kansas and then went to work for the city of Topeka.

Realizing that he was going to be drafted to the military, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corp. Where he proudly served. He was stationed in San Diego California. He later was sent to Vietnam and fought in the Vietnam war where he was stationed in Chuli Vietnam-Hill #45.

After serving his term, he returned to Abilene, where he managed the Transportation division of CE Ersham Transport and then worked as a realtor in Abilene.

Lester is preceded in death by his parents George an Georgia (Catlin) Gray, brothers Frank and Dwight Gray, nephews Leland Gray and Doug Taylor and great grandson Rowdy Markley.

He is survived by his daughter Cassie (Stark) Markley, grandsons Slayde (Destiny) Markley, Kyler (Kayleigh) Markley, 7 great grandchildren all of Abilene, Kansas, his sisters Diane (Noble) Hargett and Yvonne Taylor, from Monett Missouri, sister in law Sherryl Gray, Abilene, and many nieces, nephews and friends who loved him dearly.

Visitation will be held Wednesday July 15 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Danner Funeral home 501 N. Buckeye. Funeral service will be Thursday July 16 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church 7th and Buckeye with burial to follow in Miltonvale, Kansas