Lester E. Bedore

Lester E. Bedore, 88, of Manteno, passed away Tuesday (Sept. 18, 2018) at the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno. He was born November 17, 1929, in Manteno, the son of Jesse Bedore and Irene Monnette-Bedore. Lester served in the Army during the Korean War then became a Rail Road Conductor for the Illinois Central Rail Road, Amtrak, and Metra. He retired in 1992 after 45years of service. He married Betty A Calkins on Oct. 23, 1950. He was a active volunteer for Kankakee County Humane Society. He and his wife served 30 years as directors and were instrumental in establishing a shelter for homeless animals. Both avid gardeners, they were members of the Prairieland Daylily Society. They also were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Manteno. Survivors include; a son, Gregory (Rita) Bedore, of Kentucky; daughter, Gina (Dale) Blanchette, of Manteno; three grandsons, Daniel (Jennifer) Blanchette, of Wenona, Alex Blanchette, of Chicago, Brandon Bedore, of Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his wife Betty who passed away Feb. 25, 2016, his parents; and 4 brothers, Donald, Leonard, Russell, and Jess Jr. Visitation will be held Monday September 24, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to the service at 11:00a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Manteno. Interment will follow in Skyline Memorial Park in Monee. Brown-Jensen Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Church in Manteno, or Hospice of Kankakee Valley.