Lester Lee Mathews passed away September 22, 2022. He was born February 16, 1942 to Bernard Emery Mathews and Eunice Elmira Ramp Mathews in Peoria, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Ford Mathews, son Rob David Mathews (Brenna Cook Mathews) of Taylorville, Illinois, step-grandsons Charles James (CJ) and Jack Robert Boston, daughter Deanna Lynne Mathews Kilbourne (James Kilbourne) of Urbana, Illinois, sister Evelyn Mathews Marsh (Robert), and many nieces and nephews.

After beginning school in Yates City, Illinois, Lester then attended schools in Polo, Illinois, majoring in horses, hot rods and cattle shows, building his own herd of registered Shorthorn cattle. After returning to the Yates City area, over the years, he farmed in Elba township, built an extensive grain handling and storage facility, enjoyed horses, Black and tan and Bluetick hunting hounds, fishing and hunting coyotes with the Farmington Balagna crew, target shooting and gun collecting. Lester developed his love of metalworking and repair work through his on-farm General Machine Service business, and thoroughly enjoyed devising solutions and creating special parts and repairs for his clients. This moved on into the creation and manufacture of the Beanhustler grain handling system, that was sold and utilized by farmers in many states. He also loved operating his earth moving machines. Anything to do with machines, Les was in his element.

Les especially enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie present in small town Yates City, including lunching and visiting with friends and staff in Jody's Place. He loved his small town, family and friends. After retiring, Les and Brenda moved to Taylorville, Illinois, to be close to family.

Cremation will be provided by McClure Funeral Home and Cremation of Taylorville, Illinois. A private inurnment service will be held at Yates City Cemetery, Yates City, Illinois at a later date, as well as a Celebration of Life gathering. Memorials may be made to the Yates City Cemetery Association.