Lester Franta

Lester M. Franta, 79, of El Dorado died Feb. 26 at his home. He was born Jan. 27, 1935, in Marion County to Mike and Mary (Dvorak) Franta.

He graduated from Lincolnville High School, attended EMT college and was the first EMT on the fire department. He was a firefighter in Wichita for 22 years, retiring as a captain. After retirement, he worked at St. Joseph hospital in maintenance.

He served in the Army and was a member of the American Legion.

He married Mayme Swehla on Sept. 20, 1958, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen.

He is survived by his wife, Mayme of the home; two sons, Tima Franta of Towanda and Bennett Franta of El Dorado; a daughter, Kim Riemann of El Dorado; a sister, Rose Bolinger of Wichita; three grandchildren; a step-grandchild; three great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Services were Tuesday at St. John’s Catholic Church, El Dorado. Recitation of the Rosary was Monday at the church. Interment was in Sunset Lawns Cemetery.

Memorial funds have been established with the Father Kapaun Building Fund, Harry Hynes Hospice, and the Firefighters Museum.