The family of Lester Boyd Merryman has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend services for their Hero on 09 March 2022. We are Honored to attend.
Lester “Les” Merryman was born in Fulton, Kentucky on October 17, 1932. Graduating from Fulton High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, June 30, 1951. He served 4 years Active Duty and 4 years in Air Force Reserves, being deployed to Korea with the 3rd Bomb Wing as a Bomb Sight Specialist at Kunsan, Korea and an exercise in Guam with the Strategic Air Command (SAC) B-36 Wing from Travis AFB, CA. He received an Honorable discharge and DD214 on June 29, 1959.
After his active duty service, he attended Modesto Jr College and Cal State University of Fresno where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering, graduating in 1962. He worked at Edwards AFB for multiple programs, he also worked at Plant 42 as a Program Engineer.
Upon retirement it was written by one of his superiors that Les can be proud of his more than 40 years of service to his country, his dedication, integrity, and professional performance are a great credit to him and exemplifies immeasurable service to the Air Force.
He was also a Substitute Teacher for the local grammar schools, a member of the Elks and a member of the Masonic family for over 50 years as well as the VFW.
Lester Merryman is survived by his loving wife Lucy, by his side for 67 years, and his five children, Debra, Lester Jr., Marylyn, Darryl, Virginia, and their families with six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. He will be missed by all.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero from the mortuary in Lancaster to Bakersfield National Cemeter. Please see the timetable below if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR WEDNESDAY 09 MARCH 2022:1030 – STAGE – Halley Olsen-Murphy Mortuary, 44831 N. Cedar Ave. Lancaster, CA 93534
https://goo.gl/maps/z2AnYqsxkHWQ8n2w61045 – MISSION BRIEF
1100 – STANDBY FOR FLAG LINE
1115 – FLAG LINE - Flag line for dignified transfer of Hero from Mortuary to Coach
1125 – KSU (est) time for Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, CA 93203. Drive time= 1 hour 15 mins.
https://goo.gl/maps/SRwBAAgnDbTkLsdo71245 – ARRIVAL (est) at BNC appointment time is 1:15pm
1315 – MOVE to COMMITTAL SHELTER
1325 – FLAG LINE – For dignified transfer of Hero from Coach to Committal area and Military Honors.
1400 – DISMISSED (est).
***NOTES*** Please bring face covering and have them available for use while at the cemetery.
Bring collapsible flags for flag line. Weather is predicted to be cold and possibly windy so please plan for cold weather.
R/C: Scot TomlinsonSoCalPGR Ride Captain
760 499 4950
tomlinsonscot@yahoo.com
IWV Patriot Guard Riders on FB
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
