Lester Calton Earl II

The life of Rev. Lester Calton Earl II began August 24, 1970 in Chicago, IL.  He was born the eldest twin of Rev. Lester and Rosie Earl.  Born with a veil that had to be lifted from his face at childbirth, was the first sign that God had something special to reveal to His child. His spiritual journey began as a youth at Zion Holy M.B. Church where he was obedient to the Holy Spirit and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.  

Lester attended Esmond Elementary school and was a power forward for the basketball team.  But the power he displayed on the basketball court could not compare to the power of the Holy Spirit that propelled him to a higher calling.  At the young age of twelve he answered that call and was ordained as a minister.  He delivered his first sermon at Zion Holy M.B. Church, entitled “There is More Than One Way to Defeat a Giant.” His sermon text was taken from 1 Samuel 17, the story of David and Goliath.  That first sermon proved to be symbolic of the many giants he had to defeat, with the strength of God, during his short time here on earth.

Lester graduated from Morgan Park High School and served in the United States Navy.  Upon his discharge from the Navy he joined Golden Rule Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of his father. He served as an associate minister and supported his father’s ministry.  He later worked alongside his father to minister through music as a tenor singer for the Gospel Paraders.  He loved singing and spreading the gospel through song throughout the country, especially when he shared the stage with his father.  He also frequently traveled with his dad to be the "muscle" when they sold and delivered hams.  His later years of service to God were at New Faith M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Howard Randolph. 

Lester was a meticulous independent moving contractor.  He enjoyed traveling the country packing, moving, and organizing other people’s chaos.  There was no job too big or small, too tough or easy, too far or near for him to tackle.  After his magic touch, one's chaos was transformed into organized comfort, without making a client feel as if they lived in shambles.

Lester loved life. His charisma and larger-than-life personality would fill the room. He was loved by many because of his quick wit and big heart and if you spent more than two minutes in a room with him, he would not fail to say something to make you laugh.  Although his life here on earth ended much too soon on October 29, 2019, he will remain in our hearts and memories forever.  He was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Lester Earl Sr. and Rosie Earl, son Tevin Earl, two brothers, Richard Peterson and Michael Peterson, sister-in-law Melanie Peterson, and brother-in-law Horace Bussey Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory a caring companion Lisa Reid, son Daniel Earl, sister Alma Peterson, twin sister Lesley Bussey of Houston, TX, two brothers, Rev. Roderick Peterson, and Jimmie Peterson of Jackson, MS; two grandsons Da’mier and Kanan.  He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones, and friends.

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