Kenneth R. Lesto

Kenneth Reed Lesto, 92, of Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, husband of the late Emma Wates Lesto, entered into eternal rest Saturday, May 17, 2025. His Graveside Service will be held Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Live Oak Memorial Gardens, 3093 Ashley River Road at 3:30 pm. The family will receive friends Saturday, May 24, 2025, in the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Kenneth was born October 29, 1932 in North, South Carolina, son of the late Henry Edward Lesto, Sr. and Lounette Reed Lesto. After service in the U.S. Army, he graduated from University of South Carolina in 1958 with a degree in Civil Engineering. His career in Civil Engineering included many years of Civil Service at Southern Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command, resident engineer on the Isle of Palms Connector, as well as various projects with the South Carolina Department of Transportation. He was an avid runner and ran a total of 45 marathons, including two Boston Marathons. He enjoyed building and woodworking as well as many outdoor pursuits, including hiking, boating, fishing, and maintaining Emma’s beloved blueberries. His love of an active life and of all things outdoors lives on in his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by son, James Lesto; two daughters, Jane Lesto Die (Mark), Nancy Lesto Jenkins (Joey); four grandchildren, John Kenneth Die, James Wates Die, Hallie Jane Jenkins, and Charlotte Cole Jenkins; and his dear friend Elizabeth Haselden.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Henry Edward Lesto, Jr, and his sister, Barbara Lou Lesto Graves.

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