Lester Frank Pedron was born on Jan. 9, 1939, in Bastrop, Louisiana, as the first-born of Lewis Frank Pedron and Mary Gardner Pedron. At six months old, Les moved with his parents to Springhill, Louisiana, where he grew up and proudly called home. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents as well as his brothers Lewis Theodore Pedron and Jerry Wayne Pedron and his sister Donna Sue Pedron. Les won his battle with cancer when he moved to Heaven on Jan, 26, 2019.

The most important thing in Les’ life was his family. He was devotedly married for 61 years to his high school sweetheart, Patricia Edwards Pedron. His children and grandchildren were the pride of his life: His son, Mark Richard Pedron (Melissa Gwin Pedron) and their sons Andrew Conway Pedron (Christine), Stephen Edwards Pedron and his son Gabriel Royce, and Thomas Gwin Pedron; His son, Jeffrey Lewis Pedron (Vicki Caldwell Pedron) and their sons Jordan Meurrier Pedron, Daniel Henderson Pedron (Becca Yea Ru Pedron), and Michael Saucier Pedron; His daughter Melissa Pedron Mitko and her son Brian Edward Mitko; Les also leaves his deeply loved companion, Scarlett, who he would emphatically admonish anyone that “she’s not a dog”.

Les graduated from Springhill High School in 1957 carrying a life-long pride in being a SHS Lumberjack. He was an outstanding athlete and earned three varsity letters in both basketball and track. He attended Northwestern State University at Natchitoches, Louisiana where he continued his basketball and track career. Les proudly worked for International Paper Company (IPCO) for 38 years and following his retirement he joined former IP colleagues in the formation and establishment of Packaging Corp of America (PCA). He was a valuable employee for both companies and received a number of U.S. Patents pertaining to Power Plant operations. In his career, Les and Pat lived throughout the U.S. (LA, MS, OR, NY, AR, TN) where they developed life-long friendships and impacted the lives and careers of many. Les was a master gardener. The highest praise he could bestow on anyone was the simple phrase, “Your yard looks good.” He is well-known for the profusion of flowers he grew, especially the varied roses, and how he kept his home, as well as others’, well supplied with fresh cuttings.

The family would like to especially give thanks to Dr. Mark Saslawsky and Evie Wooten, LPN for their dedicated and compassionate treatment and care. Additionally, heartfelt thanks to the staff of Baptist Reynolds Hospice House (Collierville) for their deep compassion and care.

The family will receive friends from 1:30-3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. His life will be celebrated at a memorial service at 3 p.m., also at Memorial Park Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Baptist Reynolds Hospice House.