Lester A. Prescott of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away in his home Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012.

He was born in Opelousas, La.

During World War II, Lester served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific. After graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, La., with a chemical engineering degree, he entered the Air Force. Lester served for 30 years, retiring from Air Force Systems Command at Andrews AFB, Maryland, as a Colonel. His military years took him to Texas, England, Massachusetts, California, Florida and other stations. While Lester was stationed in California, he was heavily involved in the unmanned space program. Retirement took him and Nancy to Punta Gorda, where they lived in three different PGI homes, first boating and fishing in the canals, then golfing at the then-new St. Andrews Golf Course in Punta Gorda, where they were active charter members until his death. Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda was Lester’s spiritual home for over 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, Robert (Rosa) of Lancaster, Va.; daughter, Ann (Pat) Phillips of Knoxville, Tenn.; granddaughter, Jennifer (Adam) Paris; and great-grandchildren, Laikyn and Fisher Paris. Lester was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth, in 1969; brother, John Prescott; and sister, Bessie Jones.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda. Donations may be made in Les’ memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Sacred Heart Church, 521 Cross St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

Arrangements were made in Port Charlotte, Fla.