Lester Walter Storms, Sr.

8/22/1931 – 11/29/2015

Lester Storms passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2015 at the age of 84.  He was born on August 22, 1931 to Lester Arthur Storms and Tessie Cole in Sussex, NJ.  Les was raised in New Jersey with his three brothers – Emmett (deceased), William Storms and Larry Cole. 

Les left high school before graduating to enlist in the Army at age 17.  He served in the 187^th Airborne Division in Korea in 1950 and 1951.  He was a member of the Rakkasans veterans group.  Les was always a true patriot who loved America.

After the war, Les completed his GED education and worked as a heavy equipment mechanic in New Jersey and later for the City of Richland.  He retired in 2001 and built a fine workshop at home so he could continue his projects.

Les married Barbara McGuire on November 26, 1993.  They celebrated their 22^nd anniversary just last week.

Les volunteered his skills to Catholic Family Services from 2001 to 2014.  He worked together with his best friend, Larry Kopf, on many projects.

Les and Barbara Storms joined the Tri-Cities Tea Party in 2009.  He chaired the Agenda 21 Committee and supported every Tea Party event over a 6 year period.  In 2013, Les received the Patriot Award and was presented with a US flag that had flown over the Capitol in Washington DC. 

Les was a charter member of the Benton-Franklin Local Emergency Management Association and Committee of Safety.  In its second year of operation, he served as Chairman and helped guide its members in emergency planning.  Les demonstrated “prepping” by acquiring those things that one needs in an emergency.

Les often attended meetings of the county commissioners and city council to hold our elected officials accountable.  His favorite question was:  “Who’s going to pay for that?”  Les was a strong defender of the US Constitution and our freedoms.  In 2013, Les influenced the Franklin County Commissioners to pass a resolution against the implementation of UN Agenda 21 in Franklin County.

Les is survived by his wife, Barbara Storms, brothers, William and Larry, and son, Lester, Jr.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Tessie, brother, Emmett, son, Clifford, and daughter, Pamela Horton.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 5 at 11 am at Island View Worship Center, 1520 Fowler St. in Richland.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice House – Tri-City Chaplaincy.