Lester “Kit-tam-wa” Arnold, 82, of Mayetta, KS passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka. He was born March 22, 1933 in Holton, Kansas, the son of William and Leona (Pahmahmie) Arnold.

Lester attended Nieve Country School in Jackson County and later earned his G.E.D. He served in the United States Army from 1953 – 1955 during the Korean Conflict. Lester was a self-employed painter since 1979 and had previously worked for Goodyear Rubber and Tire Company.

He was a member of the Potawatomi United Methodist Church, Wa-te-se American Legion Post #410 and Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

Lester married Wanda C. Fitzsimmons in May 8, 1965 in Topeka. She preceded him in death on March 24, 1987. He was also preceded in death by a son, Joseph Arnold July 18, 2006 and a brother, Albert Arnold.

Survivors include 2 daughters, Laura Schreiber (Steve) of Mayetta and Elaine Dreasher (Rick)  of Hoyt; 4 sisters, Josephine “Irene” Fleming of Topeka, Corine Samqua of Topeka, June Bosworth of Ohio and Geneva Curran of Holton; a brother, Robert Arnold of Topeka and 4 grandchildren, Curtis Dreasher, Justen Dreasher Jamie Arnold and Kurtis Ramage.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with military honors will follow in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Potawatomi United Methodist Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.