Lester DeCoteau

Lester “Dale” DeCoteau, 63, died Sept. 24, 2020, in Wolf Point.

He was born on Oct. 8, 1956, to Elmer and Elizabeth DeCoteau in Poplar. He grew up in Poplar and attended Poplar schools. He graduated from Brockton High School in 1974.

He joined the Navy in 1974 to 1977 and served on the USS Midday. He then returned home to Poplar. He was living in Billings when he met Crystal Smith. They lived together many years and married in July 1993. They had five children: Jeremiah, James, Sunny, Dayle and Charles.

He loved sports and loved to participate in softball, basketball and golf through his travels. He played at the Fort Hall basketball tournament. He met and became friends with all he came in contact with. He was a people person and showed respect to everyone he met.

He also loved to hunt and fish. He was more than happy to lend a hand or give advice. He was a father figure to his many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends have numerous stories to tell about him, too many to tell or write down. He loved to laugh and had many stories to tell about himself.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Emerson and Lonnie; and sisters, Jeanine and Francine.

His is survived by his siblings, Eliza, Elmer, Jim, Charles and Birdie Lee.

Graveside services with military honors were held Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. at Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.