Lester Earl Bush, Jr. passed away November 23, 2023, with his wife of 56 years, Yvonne, by his side. Lester was born on November 22, 1942 in Atlanta, Ga., to Lester Earl Bush Sr. and Edna Karston Bush. A track athlete and musician, Lester received his medical degree from the University of Virginia and served in the Navy as lieutenant commander, Medical Corps before working at the CIA, where he led as deputy director and director of medical services for nearly two decades.

Lester’s desire to understand contemporary issues facing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sparked his extensive journey of historical research and scholarship that would play a crucial role in changing church attitudes and policies.

Lester sought out and embraced life’s adventures and challenges during his 81 years of life. He flew into the jungles of Vietnam and Cambodia where he cared for the sick and wounded, joined the Australian Flying Doctors to outposts in the Northern Territory, trekked in the Himalayas, and hiked through the Andes to Machu Picchu. With all this, he was a creative, engaged, and loving father and husband.

Lester will be remembered for his big heart, thoughtfulness, brilliant wit and enormous sense of humor. Lester is survived by his wife, brother, three children, and five grandchildren who will miss him dearly.