Lester Ralph Walthers' Obituary
Obituary for Lester Ralph Walthers
Lester Ralph Walthers, 90, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025. He was born on February 11, 1935, in Olney, Texas, to August Fred Walthers and Marie Virginia Albritton Walthers.
Lester lived a life marked by faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Called into ministry early in life, he served as a pastor in numerous churches, sharing the Gospel with kindness, conviction, and a servant’s heart. His vision for Christian education led him to found the Ebenezer Bible Institute in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico—an institution that touched many lives and continues to bear fruit.
His service through various roles, included working as a probation officer for Dallas County and at the Dallas County Boys Home. He also worked with the FBI in Florida and Phoenix, bringing his dedication and integrity to every position he held. From 1969 to 1973, Lester and his family served as missionaries in Mexico, a chapter of ministry that deeply shaped his life.
For more than 30 years, Lester faithfully led a prison ministry, offering compassion, guidance, and the hope of Christ to those often forgotten. His love of reading, music, and especially Christian hymns filled his home and ministry with warmth. He was an accomplished piano player, and music remained one of his greatest joys throughout his life. He pastored various churches during his life, and his most recent congregation was at Dallas Reformed Baptist Church where he served for over 20 years.
Lester is survived by his two children: Louis Walthers and wife Cindy ., and Laurie Castaneda and husband Noe; and by seven cherished grandchildren: Michelle Loss, Michael Walthers, Melissa Meeks, Megan Whitener, Mark Walthers, Noemi Castaneda, and Hannah Castaneda.
He is preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved wife of 62 years, Joyce Loretta Walthers.
Lester's legacy of faith, compassion, and dedicated service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
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