Lester Shavers Jr.

Lester Shavers Jr., 85, of Gatesville, Texas, passed away on December 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 12, 2025 at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

Lester was born January 8, 1940, to the late Lester Shavers Sr. and Eloise Beal in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He proudly served his country for 22 years in the United States Navy, including honorable service during the Vietnam War. After completing his military service, he went on to work as an aircraft mechanic for DynCorp, retiring after 20 years. He later spent another 10 years serving as a security officer for Texas Star Security.

In 1990, Lester married Sheila Curtis, and together they raised a strong and loving family. He especially cherished spending time with his grandchildren, who brought him great joy and purpose. Lester will always be remembered for his steady presence, his quiet strength, and the way he put his family first without hesitation. His legacy will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Lester was preceded in death by both of his parents; his sister, Virginia Harris; his brother, Billy Joe Beal; his niece, Cheryl Shavers; his nephew, Aubrey Markeith Alexander; and his nephew, Melvin Shavers.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Shavers; his children and their families: Lescel Davis and spouse Joseph (children: McKenna, Gunner, and Avah); Brandon Shavers and spouse Courtney Whitman; Cathy Parham and spouse James (children: Diera, Michael, and James II); Cassandra Shavers (children: Jamia, Amber, Adrian, and Joshua); Jacqueline Shavers and spouse Mordecai; Leslie Shavers (children: LeRay, Alexia, and Krystian); Christa Shavers (child: Jason); and Mari Brunson (children: Lisa, Briana, Jamaal, and Jamarcus). He is also survived by his siblings: his brother Delbert Beal, and his sisters Alice Erves and husband Johnny, Cathy Hayes and husband Ken, Sherry Brown, Murlette Bonner and husband Charles, and Linda Beal; and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

Lester lived a life marked by devotion—to his country, his work, and especially his family. Though his earthly journey has come to a close, his strength, wisdom, and love remain in the hearts of all who knew him. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now at peace and that one day they will see him again, whole and healed, in the presence of the Lord.