Obituary of Lester James Jordan, Sr.

Smethport - Lester James Jordan, Sr., 89, of Smethport, died Thursday (November 26, 2015), at his residence in Smethport. He was born April 17, 1926 in Sterling Run, a son of Reuben and Ellen Hicks Jordan. On July 2, 1948, in Obi, NY, he married Rose Marie Dragoone, who died September 19, 1985. Mr. Jordan was a graduate of Weedville, PA Schools and served during WWII in the U.S. Marine Corps. Mr. Jordan worked for Corning Glass of Bradford for many years as a tool & die maker/machinist. After his retirement, he stayed busy at his own shop, Lester Jordan Machine Shop, in Smethport, continuing with machining skills. He was an Executive board member of the PA Lumber Museum and was co-founder of AMEIA (Allegheny Mountain Engine & Implement Association). Lester was a very talented and knowledgeable individual. He invented a machine for the textile industry that made the needles to produce corduroy pants. He enjoyed building and machining scale gas engines in his spare time and was always machining parts that were obsolete or unavailable for machinery for locals in the area. He is survived by: Three sons: Thomas (Jill) Jordan and Lester Jordan, Jr., both of Smethport Brad (Lisa) Jordan of Emporium Twelve Grandchildren and several Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Christine Camp, four brothers and two sisters. In keeping with Lester's wishes, there will be no services. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport. Memorials may be made to Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231, or the PA Lumber Museum, PO Box 239, Galeton, PA 16922. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.