BENSON — Lester “Les” W. Burleson Jr., 89 years young, passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2020. Les was born March 25, 1930 in Middletown, Conn., to Lester and Myrtle (Dunkleberger) Burleson.
He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School where he met his future wife, Jan MacLaren, who survives him. They were married for 68 years. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. They moved to Benson, Vt., in 1958 to farm.
He has had numerous jobs throughout his life, but was most happy building and working with his hands. In his later life he spent his time repairing and caning chairs. This past year since he has been unable to go to his beloved shop, he has been making baskets. He finished the last one the day he went into the hospital.
He has served his community in many capacities. His favorite was as Fire Chief and he even became a member of the Benson First Response. He went on to teach firefighters throughout the State of Vermont.
He and Jan have been members of the Vermont Chapter of the International Flying Farmers for 57 years and he still carried his pilot’s license in his wallet till he died.
Les leaves behind his loving wife Jan; daughters Lynn (David) LaRock and Lee (Brian) Scott; son Wayne (Kim) Burleson; grandchildren Rick, Matt and Leslie LaRock, Jessica Reed, Justin Burleson, Martin and Hannah Hutchins and all their respective spouses. He will be greatly missed by his 13 great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter. He also leaves his younger brother, Richard, numerous nieces and nephews and cousins, and his sister-in-law, Pat MacLaren.
At his request no calling hours or service is planned. An informal get together will be held in the early summer.
Contributions to either the Benson Fire Dept. or the Fair Haven Rescue Squad in care of the Durfee Funeral Home, P. O. Box 86, Fair Haven, VT 05743 are welcomed.◊