Lester E. Turmelle

Lester E. Turmelle, 84, died Tuesday, July 6, at Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia after a brief illness.Born in Plymouth, N.H., he was one of six children of Wilfred J. Turmelle and Elsie Belle Lovett. Mr. Turmelle was educated in the Plymouth school system. He married Lucille Wilson Packard on March 25, 1959 in Ashland, N.H. The couple had one son, Luther Packard Turmelle, of Cheshire, Ct.Mr. Turmelle was an avid horseman and was a past president of the Passaquaney Riding Club. He also spent many years as a horseshow announcer. As a young man, Mr. Turmelle worked at a men's clothing store, J.H. Harrower. During the 1960s, Mr. Turmelle operated a clothing store in Plymouth, The Village Shop. He also worked on several New Hampshire horse farms as well as one in Prides Crossing, Ma.During his time as a retailer, Mr. Turmelle exhibited a quiet generosity to family and friends, often giving discounts to those in need.He was a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Plymouth, N.H.He was predeceased by his wife, who died in July 1981. He was also predeceased by a sister, Barbara M. Turmelle; a brother, Wilfred J. Turmelle Jr.; and three sisters-in-law: Polly (Packard) Blackmore, Evelyn (Packard)  Akerley and Marjorie (Packard) Day.He is survived by his son, Luther, and his wife, Joan, as well as by two grandsons, Zachary and Jacob. Other survivors include his sisters, Rosalie Downing of Ashland and Ethel Nadeau of Plymouth and Florida, as well as a brother, Leon of Campton; a sister-in-law, Elsa P. Turmelle and two brothers-in-law, Larry Nadeau of Plymouth and Roger Blackmore of Florida; and 21 nieces and nephews and their families.  Memorials:In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Hampshire Humane SocietyPO Box 572, Laconia, N.H. 03246Service:Calling hours were held in the Mayhew Funeral Home and a funeral service was  held in the Church of the Holy Spirit, in Plymouth, NH. Cemetery:Lester was buried in Trinity Cemetery in Holderness, N.H.