Lester Ribling was born, an only child, to John Earl Ribling and
Georgette Peterson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After his birth, Lester
and his parents move to Beardstown, IL, where John worked for the
railroad. Lester grew up in Beardstown where he attended school. His
mother was a church organist and was involved in the Salvation Army.
Upon graduation from High School, Lester joined the Army Air Corps and
was stationed in TX where he met and married Mildred Lucille Bayless.
Lester and Mildred were married on October 17, 1942, by Robert E. Pugh,
pastor of the North Main Baptist Church in Houston, TX. Their marriage
is recorded on certificate No.23146 in Vol.2, Page 129, in Ft. Bend Co.,
TX.
Lester made the Air Force his career. He was stationed in TX, NC, AK,
IL, AL and finally at Moody AFB, GA, where he retired after 30 years. He
and Barbara stil live in Valdosta.