Lester A. Weilacher, U.S. Air Force, Retired

Of  Monroeville, formerly of Alamogordo, NM, and Brockway, PA, age 90, passed away in peace on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Lester was the beloved husband of Patritia (Weisner) Weilacher for 19 years.

He was the cherished father of Ann (Mark) Creech of Biloxi, MS, and Lester A. (Charlotte) Weilacher, Jr. of VA.

Lester was the proud grandfather of Hunter Creech, Kathrynn Weilacher, and Logan Weilacher.

He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Saxman of VA and Linda (Donald) Maryal of Homer City.

Lester was the stepfather of Mark (Lou Ann) McDonel, Erin (Pat) Snyder, Kelly (Tom) Warshauer, Karyn (Mark Cozzoli) McDonel, and Dan (Anna Marie Mianzo) McDonel, and he is survived by several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his first wife Kathryn, his parents, Norman and Margaret (Conway) Weilacher and his sisters: Norma (late Charles) Light, Virginia (late Malcolm "Corky") Adams.

Lester enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 18, shortly after graduating from Brockway/Snyder High School. That decision marked the beginning of a remarkable military career that would span 25 years, earning the Air Force Longevity Service Award with five oak leaf clusters.

During his first eight years with the Air Force, Lester served as a jet engine mechanic. His technical skill and steady performance earned him the opportunity to advance, and he was later accepted into Air Force Officer Candidate School. Upon completion of that training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.

After receiving his commission, Lester underwent training to become a pilot. He went on to fly 192 combat missions during the Vietnam War, flying the legendary supersonic F-4 Phantom fighter jet. He also flew with Chuck Yeager in Korea during the USS Pueblo crisis in 1968. For his service, he earned both the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. His service in combat stands as a testament to his courage and dedication to his country.

His extraordinary skill in the cockpit and dedicated leadership earned him the highly competitive field-grade rank of Lieutenant Colonel, a position where he bore the silver oak leaf and a rank representing the ultimate trust of the Air Force and the privilege of commanding the next generation of airmen.

He received some of the nation's highest military honors, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism under fire and extraordinary achievement in aerial combat, three Meritorious Service Medals, ten Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Lester retired from the United States Air Force in 1980, concluding a distinguished and highly decorated military career. Yet even after leaving the Air Force, he remained active and purposeful. He later became a pilot for Airways of New Mexico, continuing to do what he loved. After five years of service there, he retired once more, having completed yet another chapter of meaningful work.

In retirement, Lester enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his second home in Brockway, as well as rooting for his Steelers alongside his beloved dog, Phantom, named after his fighter jet.

Lester's life was one of remarkable accomplishment, but it was also a life defined by strong character. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the service he gave, and the memories he created.

There will not be a visitation. A private graveside service will be held at Crossroads Cemetery in Monroeville.

Our family is deeply grateful to the entire staff at Concordia. We extend a special thank you to the nurses and caregivers for their dedicated care, and to the activities and food service employees who brought so much joy, comfort, and friendship to Lester’s daily life. Your compassion will never be forgotten.

In honor of Lester’s generous spirit and love for his country, memorial contributions may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America or to a charity of your choice.