Rev. Lester E. Pifer, Columbus, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Christmas Day, 2019.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” (Psalms 116:15) NIV
Lester was born on April 2, 1920, at Wadsworth, Ohio, to Elden H. Pifer and Rose I. (Blacklock) Pifer. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 57 years; Genevene E. (Walter) Pifer, sisters and brothers; Helen Lance, Evelyn Jerigan, Myrl Pifer, Ernest Pifer, and Sue Blackwell, step-children; John Thomas Howard, Tamera Bohrer, and Susan Grossman.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Bonnie M. (Howard) Pifer, sister and brothers; Wilbur Pifer (Nancy), Lois Artrip, and Cleo Pifer, daughters and son; Beth Reece (Barry), Mark Pifer (Maryann), and Deb Peters (Jack), step-daughter and -sons; Cinda Marsh (David), Larry Howard (Carol), and Matthew Howard (Suzanne). His blended family has 23 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Lester was currently serving as the Seniors Pastor at Grace Polaris Church, Westerville, Ohio. In that capacity, he was the leader of the Cancer Support Group and the Men’s Bible Study. Prior to his serving at Grace Polaris Church, he was the Director of the Brethren Home Missions Council (Winona Lake, Ind.) and a church planter for over 70 years for the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (Charis Fellowship).
As a young man, he attended Bryan College and Grace Theological Seminary. Grace Theological Seminary awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in 1974.
His pastoral ministry began in the hills of Tennessee and his church planting ministry extended across the entire United States. He had a special interest in the Brethren Navajo Mission in New Mexico, and church missions in the hills of Kentucky. His love for Jesus and his love for people impacted thousands nationwide over his many years of ministry. His focus in life was people coming to know The Lord.
“But nothing, not even my life, is more important than my completing my mission. This is nothing other than the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus: to testify about the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24) CEB
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 12, 2020, at Grace Polaris Church, 8225 Worthington-Galena Rd, Westerville.
In lieu of flowers, gifts should be made, in his memory to: Worthington Christian Schools, 6675 Worthington-Galena Rd, Worthington, OH 43085.