Lester Doyle "Buddy" Shamhart, age 85

September 2, 1938 – January 10, 2024

Lester Doyle "Buddy" Shamhart, 85 of Latona, Illinois, passed away at 10:40 AM – Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.

Funeral services celebrating Lester's life will be held at 12:00 PM (Noon) – Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois, with Eric Bridges officiating.  Internment will be in the Bailey Cemetery west of Latona, Illinois.  Visitation will be held 1 before the service. In loving memory of Lester, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Fund, PO Box 333, Newton, Illinois 62448.  The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left www.meyerfh.com.

Lester Doyle, also known as "Buddy" was born on September 2, 1938, near Latona, Illinois, the son of Perry and Gerlene Beatrice "Jerry" (Lewis) Shamhart.  He married Dolores Osborn on January 1, 1962, and just celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Lester worked in the oil field for many years and later worked at National Homes and Bahrns Equipment.  He enjoyed going to tractor pulls and pulling his Massey-Harris 44 and completing in demolition derbies.

Lester was an avid rabbit and mushroom hunter.  He loved to spend time with his family, especially his sons and going to BJ's Saloon to enjoy visiting with friends and to enjoy biscuits and gravy.

Lester is survived by:

Wife of 62 years – Dolores Shamhart

Children – Tammy (Allan) Jones of Newton, Illinois; Rodney "Skeeter" (Katrina Ives) of Latona, Illinois; LaVerne (Sherry) Shamhart of Latona, Illinois; Bill (Jackie) Shamhart of Newton, Illinois; and Jason Shamhart of Latona, Illinois

Grandchildren – Allan Michael Jones, Josh Jones, Nick Shamhart, Brittany Heuerman, and Blake Shamhart

11 Great Grandchildren

Sisters – Shirley (Ronnie) Allen of Mason, Illinois, and Kathy (Pat) Hahn of Altamont, Illinois

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Sean Shamhart, siblings Berl, Merl, Clyde, Vickie, and Dan Shamhart.