Lester E. Brinkman, 92, of Defiance, went to be with his Heavenly Father on  the morning of  March 10, 2013 surrounded by his loving family at the Van Crest Nursing & Rehabilition Center, Holgate.

He was born on July 3, 1920 to Harry and Dorthea (Yetter) Brinkman in Henry County, OH.  He married Ruth Annabelle Desgrange on March 3, 1946 and recently celebrated their 67th anniversary.

He was a member of Ayersville United Methodist Church, a  lifelong farmer, a member of the Defiance County Farm Bureau , a veteran of WW II serving in the Army Air Corp. in Germany, and worked at the Zeller Corporation, Defiance.

Lester is survived by his wife, Ruth Annabelle Brinkman, of Defiance, OH, son, Gary (Janet) Brinkman of Waverly, OH, son, Dennis (Julie) Brinkman of Huntington, IN, daughter, Ellen (Edward) Snyder of Ft. Wayne, IN, daughter, Lois (Dave) Brown of Ayersville, OH, daughter, Judi (Bud) Clymer of Findlay, OH, daughter, Bonnie Benson of Findlay, OH, 8 grandchildren, 8 step grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren,18 step great grandchildren,  brother, Alvin Brinkman of Defiance, OH , sister, Annabelle (George) Buenger of Hamler, OH,

He was preceded in death by his parents,  brother, Art Brinkman, brother, Norbert Brinkman, brother, Robert Brinkman, brother, Vic  Brinkman , brother, Lee  Brinkman , brother, Don Brinkman, sister, Deloris Keller sister, Leola Silverthorn and a great granddaughter, Grace Annabelle Keesee .

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2013 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Defiance, Ohio and one hour prior to the services at the Church on Wednesday.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 1:30 pm at the Ayersville United Methodist Church, Defiance, Ohio, with Rev. Clarence Dinnen, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Ayersville Cemetery with military honors by the Defiance VFW post 3360.

Memorials are suggested to the Ayersville United Methodist Church, the Alzheimer Association, or to a charity of the donor's choice.