Leslie "Les" Wayne Semar

Leslie Wayne “Les” Semar was born Friday, October 1, 1954 at the Bonne Terre Hospital to parents Preston C. (Manny) Semar and Shirley E. Merritt Semar. Once leaving the hospital, they returned to their Elvins MO home and joined older sister Vicki. The little family was eventually added to with sister Elizabeth (Beth) and brother Scott. Les was born again Wednesday, April 3, 1985 in the parking lot at the Farmington Bowling Alley, under the guiding hands of a great friend and brother in Christ, Mike Roux.

Though most of his early childhood and family focus centered around Elvins, his nomadic family saw many moves: Webster Groves, Carbondale IL, Anna IL, Poplar Bluff, Lutesville, and Brookfield, MO. Eventually they moved back to the area, where he met the love of his life, and mate for the last 42 years, Mary Esther Williams Semar. It was that union that changed his life on earth and his eternal life forever! Throughout those years Les and Mary enjoyed many great travels, adventures, projects and hobbies together. Though he and his “bride” chose not to have children, it in no way reflects how they felt about children and young people. They have many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, that lovingly call him the Gruncle. Most are actually really related; many more are adoptions of the heart.

Les is survived by his bride, Mary Esther. His sister Vicki Newman and her children Jennifer and Marshall Newman and his wife Amy, their two boys, Cooper and Tanner. His younger sister Beth. His younger brother, Scott and wife Janine, the parents of Ian, Schuyler, his wife Kelly and their daughters Charlotte and Sutton. Also blessed with sister Charlene Pallo (sister to Mary) and her children Angie and Alicia. Their girls Madison, Ava, Bianca, Cora, Mia, and their daddies Jason and Lider.

Les was a competitive golfer and a member of St Francois Country Club. He loved Mizzou football, Cardinal baseball, college basketball and high school sports. He loved a wide variety of music. He was at home in a duck blind, wading flooded timber, and chasing turkeys in the Ozark woods.

Les had a compassionate heart. He was a humble servant of God and his fellow man. He organized golf tournaments for the 10-33 Benevolent Fund, volunteered as a Hunter’s Education Instructor for Missouri Department of Conservation, served with Puppies 4 Parole at Farmington Correctional Center and ministered to the youth at Rocky Creek Ranch. He volunteered with Hope Outdoors and loved to be out in God’s creation sharing his experiences with others.  He was a Sunday School teacher, deacon, talented singer, and a member of the Praise Team. He helped many in their time of need. He wanted none of this mentioned. He served others out of the goodness of his heart. If you met him, he was your friend and would do anything for you. Les never met a stranger.

The family of Les and Mary wish to thank everyone for their love, comfort and support over the last two years, along with Heart and Soul Hospice for the great care they provided. Les had a brain tumor, but it did not affect his brilliant mind, and he enjoyed all of the visits, calls, cards and texts right up until his journey home.

Memorial visitation will be at First Baptist Church, PO Box 445, Park Hills, August 28 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 3:00 p.m. with Dr. Josh Wilson officiating, services are under the direction of CZ Boyer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Park Hills.