Funeral Service Held For Tulsa Family Killed In Plane Crash

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Four members of the Lester family were laid to rest Thursday afternoon.

Four caskets, each adorned with flowers and a photograph.

"None of us in the family are experts in aircraft. We don't know why a plane would veer into a television towe," said Jeff Lester, uncle. "But we can tell you, we're experts about the hearts of the Lester family."

And those four hearts, lost in a tragic weekend plane crash, were always filled with love.       

More than 1,000 mourners paid their respects to the Lesters. The group included a long train of family and friends, and also doctors, patients, and Metro Christian classmates of Laura and Christina.

"I think it just speaks volumes of who Steve, and Dana and the girls were," said Mike Lester, Stephen's brother. "They were involved in so many different things, and to have all these people come out and show their love and support, certainly warms our hearts."

Sixteen-year-old Laura is remembered as a social and dependable friend; a hard worker in the classroom, and on the volleyball court.

"In fact, I've noticed several of the inscriptions said, ‘Laura, you've inspired me over the years to be a better person, to work harder. To be all I can be,'" said Jeff Lester, also brother of Dr. Stephen Lester.

9/9/2009 Related story: NTSB Releases Preliminary Report On Tulsa Plane Crash

Her 13-year-old sister Christina: a playful, independent girl who idolized her sisters and dreamed of becoming a vet.

"Could spend hours on a trampoline," Pastor Mitch Wilburn said of Christina. "No one wanted to jump with her? Fine, she was still going to jump.

"In a world that hurries our children to grow up, Christina was allowed to be a child," Wilburn said.

Steve was a talented pain doctor and a devoted family man who married the love of his life.

"Steve and Dana - those were two that were meant to be together, from the moment they started dating," said Jeff Lester.

Four members of the Lester family, killed in a horrific plane crash last weekend. Gone, but never forgotten.

"They're going to be sorely missed, but we know we'll always have them in our hearts," said Mike Lester.

Steve and Dana Lester have two surviving children, a daughter in college, and a son in the Coast Guard.

The fifth victim, Dr. Ken Veteto, was buried earlier this week.

The National Transportation Safety Board yesterday released a preliminary report on the crash confirming there was dense fog in the area.

In lieu of flowers, persons are requested to donate to the Lester Family Memorial Fund.  Care of Regent Bank at 7136 South Yale, Suite 100, Tulsa 74136.