Lester Raynes, 91, passed away peacefully on December 10. One of six children to Sherman and Emma Raynes, Lester was born, spent his childhood, went to school, worked, married, built a home, raised his family, and retired all in Kittery Point. His only time away was two years in the Army Air Corp at the end of World War II and in the final months of his life at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth after the passing of his beloved wife of 69 years Millie. Lester worked for many years as the groundskeeper and everything man for the Decatur estate and then as custodian at the Horace Mitchell school where he was beloved by the entire staff for the extra effort he put in and his attention to every detail. Lester and Millie were also caretakers for many Kittery Point neighbors' properties assuring they were safe, secure, tidy inside and out, animals and plants and sometimes children cared for while the occupants were away. Lester was a great neighbor and friend always ready with a smile, a kind word and a helping hand. Lester took meticulous care of his own property. His hobbies mainly included mowing, endlessly raking leaves and acorns until it snowed, and snow shoveling. He also enjoyed watching the evening news, reading the paper, beans on Saturday and spaghetti on Wednesday, hand carving wooden birds, hauling a few lobster traps, taking the family for drives to York Beach for Goldenrod kisses or an ice cream at Brown's, and he enjoying family gatherings with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Lester is survived by his daughter Sally Neihart (Dover); grandchildren Elizabeth Pelletier (Wells), Janine Dewhurst (So. Berwick), Alex Ogilvie (Rye), Andrew L'Italien (Kittery Point); great grandchildren Zoie and Zane Pelletier, Maggie and Willow Dewhurst, as well as Bruce Litalien son-in-law and many nieces and nephews and good friends. Lester was predeceased by his wife Millie Raynes and devoted daughter Carolyn L'Italien. A celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date in the spring/summer. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com