Willing, NY – Lester Raymond Fanton, 88, of Fords Brook Road, passed away on Monday, January 06, 2025. He was born March 6, 1936, in Wellsville, the eldest son of the late Raymond Glenn and Mildred Pearl (Perry) Fanton. On May 14, 1994, in York, NY, he married Joan E. Gregory Burdick, who survives.
Les was a 1954 graduate of Wellsville High School. Upon
graduating, he entered the work force, starting at Mingus Dairy from 1955 –
1965, as the local milk man, before finding his career in 1966 at A.L. Blades
& Sons where he was employed as a supervisor, machine operator, and
self-educated engineer, retiring in 1996. Additionally, he was a life-long
farmer and steward of the land, having bought his farm on Murphy Road in 1958
and operated it for the last 66 years. He was also on the Town Board for the
Town of Willing for more than 15 years.
In addition to his wife of 30 years, Joan, he is survived
by: four children, David (Judy Cooper) Fanton, Susan Sekoll, Sandee (Craig
Dibble) and Mike (Amy) Fanton; three-stepchildren, Tom (Vicki) Burdick, Randy
(Dawn) Burdick and Bonnie (Tim Raycroft) Morris; 17 grandchildren; 28
great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Jim (Barb) Fanton;
as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was
predeceased by a brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Bonnie Fanton, and a brother,
Ken Fanton.
Per Lester’s request, there will be no visitation. A
memorial service will be held at a later date in Stannards Cemetery, Town of
Willing, with Dwight Fanton presiding. Please consider memorial donations to
the Town of Willing Fire Department, 1395 NY-19, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave
online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
