John Lester Queen

Mr. Queen was born in the Dry Ponds community of western Burke County on May 2, 1916, to the late Charles B. and Eldorada Patton Queen. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Vergil E. Queen, Russell J. Queen, and his twin brother, Charles Wesley Queen.

A resident of Buncombe County since 1936, he worked as an auto parts salesman for Sronce Automotive before retiring in 1987. He was a 52 year member of the Masonic Order and was a long term member of the Swannannoa Lodge. He was a member of Groce United Methodist Church since 1956.

He was a US Army veteran of WW II, serving in the 629th Tank Destroyer Battalion under General George Patton from 1942 - 1945.

Mr. Queen is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jonsey McMahan Queen, one son, Dr. Allen B. Queen and his wife Terri; grandchildren, John Travis Queen, Anna E. Queen, and David Allen Queen; one brother, D. Guy Queen of Haw Creek; and several nieces and nephews, all of whom he deeply loved.

Funeral services will be at 2:30 pm Sunday at Groce United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Doug Fairbanks, Jr., and the Rev. Ed McKinney officiating. Burial will be at Piney Grove Cemetery, Swannanoa.

An honor guard will be provided by the 3297th US Army Hospital.

His family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service and request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is in charge of the arrangements.