Ira Gene Lester, 85 of Steele, KY passed away on Friday, April 10, 2020 at Pikeville Medical Center. He was the son of George W. and Elizabeth Hackney Lester. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son; Ray, brothers; Troy, Hassell, James Henry, Earl, Tommy and Jackson and grandchildren; Richard Griffith and Kenneth Freeman. Ira was a coal operator for 30 years and a member of the Jesus Tabernacle Church. Ira always strove for perfection in all he did. Survivors are his wife; Shirley Church Lester, daughters; Annis (Bert) Spears, Eleanor (Keith) Ann Freeman, Karolen Gail Howard, and Berlene (Mickey) Miller all of Steele, KY; brothers; George Jr. Lester of Vansant, VA, Tolby Lester of Big Rock, VA. and Robert Lester of Tazewell, VA; sisters; Matilda Quinley of Vansant, VA, Edna Mae Ling of Big Rock, VA and Martha Charles of Hurley, VA, grandchildren; Kimberly Tetrick, Joveta Griffith, Michael Miller, Ira Neil Miller, Ira Bruce Howard, Shannon Lester, Brandy Coleman, and Martin Johnson., great grandchildren; Brittni, Tasha, Ray, Gage, Faith, Madyson, Gracie and Dalton Ray, great grandchildren; Addision, Tyson, Tyleigh and J.R. There will be a private funeral and burial. A private visitation will be held also. A memorial service for will be announced at a later date. Officiating minister will be Hobert McCoy. Ira’s family wishes to extend their appreciation to all that would like to be at the service.