Robert R. Lester ’16

Robert R. Lester died Sept. 11, 1997, at his home in Kansas City, Mo. At the age of 103, he was Princeton's oldest living alumnus.

Robert prepared at Westport H.S., Prosso Preparatory School, and Lawrenceville. At Princeton, he was a member of the swimming team, Whig Hall, and Quadrangle Club. His roommates were Edwin Lloyd and Lennig Sweet.

After graduation, he joined the American Field Service, serving in Europe. During WWI he was a naval aviator and flight instructor at Key West, Fla., reaching the rank of lieutenant (jg). He then worked for the Ridenour-Baker Grocery Co., his grandfather's firm, and for the Fidelity National Bank and Trust Co. in Kansas City. He later helped liquidate the Ridenour-Baker Grocery Co., and formed Kansas City Terminal Warehouse Co., of which he was president. Robert managed this company until he was 84 years old, when he sold the business. He was also a founder of Richards Field, Kansas City's first commercial airport.

Robert was a member of many local clubs, including the Kansas City Country Club, Rotary Club, the University Club, and the Early and Pioneer Aviators Assn.

He leaves his wife, Ruth, daughters Flower L. Hund and Virginia L. Buckner, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.