Lester Francis Wooden

Master Sergeant Lester Francis Wooden, 79, of Frankford, Delaware, entered heaven on Saturday, December 26, 2020 following a lengthy illness, at Paramount Senior Living in Fayetteville, PA.

Born on May 9, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the oldest son of the late Louis and Louise (Trageser) Wooden.  He was the husband of the late Janet F. (Wisniewski) Wooden.

After graduating from St. Stephen High School, Lester entered the U.S. Army, and went on to serve with a career in the Army National Guard for over 30 years.  His duties included chief administrator (NCO), intelligence analyst, HIDTA and in charge of Unit Supply (NCO).  He retired from active duty in 2001.  Les met his wife, Janet Wisniewski, at the “Village Sub Shop” on Belair Road.  With time, Janet learned to understand and appreciate Les’ reserve, his teasing and love of fun.  They married on August 10, 1963 and were blessed with one son, Daniel Kevin Wooden.  Growing up, Danny had the happiness of living near his Grandmother Louise, who he would often go to for advice.  Summers were spent at Sea Side Heights, NJ and at Hickory Run campground in PA.  Family was important to him, so on Sundays he would pile his mother, father, siblings, wife and son in the car and go for a drive to get ice cream.  The trip would often take hours.  He was never lost, but would find a new way to the destination.  He would always say to us “Just keep turning, you will find your way”.  After having lived in Overlea, MD for most of his life, Les purchased property near Bethany Beach in Delaware.  “Family Beach week” became the highlight of the summer for all the family.  During this week the family gathered and enjoyed being with each other.  Of course, everyone followed Les’ rules.  In addition to family week, Lester and his brother, Tommy, spent many days biking to the beach, walking the boardwalk, stopping for a pretzel and drink with Tommy carrying the cups.  Les was very giving with his time and treasures.  He volunteered at soup kitchens, parish and community events, and gave generously to many charities.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet and parents, Louise and Louis Wooden and many friends and other relatives.  As games were a source of family fun and rivalry, they may have enjoyed a game of Poker, Michigan Rummy or Pinochle when he arrived.

Surviving are son, Daniel Kevin Wooden and wife Kelly of Denver, PA; brother, Thomas Franklin Wooden and wife Marlene of Baltimore; sisters, Sister Margaret Ann Wooden, D.C. of Emmitsburg, and Mary L. Fulton of Bozeman, Montana; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

“You don’t choose your family.  They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”  (Desmond Tutu)

-Les, Uncle Duff, you will be missed in many ways.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 47 DePaul St. in Emmitsburg with Rev. Martin McGeough, C.M. as celebrant.  The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass at church (due to current COVID restrictions, masks and social distancing are required in church).  A graveside service with military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Gardens of Faith Cemetery, 5598 Trumps Mill Rd., Rosedale, Maryland 21206.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given in Lester Wooden’s name to, a charity of your choice, American Cancer Society, or to the Daughters of Charity, 4330 Olive St., St. Louis, MO, 63108.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in Emmitsburg.