Walter C. Lesher

Walter Clarence Lesher, Sr., 78, formerly of Shoemakersville, died September 14th at 8:40 am in the Laurel Center, Tilden Township, where he had been since April 24, 2003.

He was the husband of Eleanor J. (Skiles) Lesher, a resident at the Laurel Center, Tilden Township.

Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Walter S. and Alma (Betz) Lesher.

He was a 1944 graduate of Mount Penn High School, a graduate of Temple University, Philadelphia was a certificate in Metallurgy and a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Production Management.

Lesher was a member of Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, Muhlenberg Township where he had been an Elder and Deacon and also served on church council.

He was an Army Veteran of WWII.

Lesher was employed as a manager of manufacturing at Brush Wellman, Inc., Shoemakersville from 1953-1968.

He later founded and was vice president and general manager at Heyco Metals, Inc., Leesport from 1968-1973.

Lesher then founded and became Vice President and General Manager at Penn Precision Rolling Mill, Leesport from 1973-1983.

He later became a Sheet Mill Superintendent at Bridgeport Brass Corporation, Indianapolis, IN from 1983-1986.

Lesher than moved to Illinois and became Vice President and Manager of Manufacturing at Elgiloy Company, Elgin, IL in 1986.

He moved back to Berks County and was a Materials Manager at Metal Engineering Company, Leesport from 1986-1990.

Lesher later was a bus driver for Kistler Bus Service, Hamburg from 1990-200.

He also co-owned E.J. Upholstery, Shoemakersville with his wife from 1979 until retiring in 2000.

Lesher was a past treasurer for a number of years of the 50 Plus Club, Reading; a member of the Muhlenberg Rotary for 19 years and a 12 member of the Muhlenberg Township Recreation Board.

He is also survived by a daughter, Stephanie J. (Lesher) Ernst of Adamstown, Lancaster County and two sons, Walter C. "Rusty" Jr., of Reading and Timothy A. of Allentown.

Other survivors include a brother, Harry Lesher of Exeter Township and a sister, Bessie (Lesher) Palm of North Carolina.

There are four grandchildren.

Services will be Saturday at 10am in Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, 100 Tuckerton Road, (Muhlenberg Township) Reading, Pa 19605. Rev. Dr. Robert A. Stewart officiating. Viewing will be one hour prior to service in the church. Burial will be in Good Shepherd Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township. Contributions may be made to the church with "Building Fund" on the memo line to the above address. Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements.