Lester Shutts was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1917, the eldest child of Maurice and Rose (King) Shutts. He attended school in Merrill, NY, and on December 24, 1938, married fellow Merrill resident Beulah Harris in Brainardsville, NY. Lester worked as a truck driver before enlisting in the U.S. Army in June of 1945. A private in the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, he served for six months at the end of World War II, working as a field lineman. In December of that same year Lester was honorably discharged from the Army and returned to his family in Merrill, NY.
After returning home, Lester took a job with Republic Steel in nearby Lyon Mountain, NY. Lester joined younger brother, Robert, working as an iron miner. He continued working in the mines until their closing in 1967. Rising numbers of injuries and deaths, including the death of Robert Shutts in 1965, forced Republic Steel to shut its doors in Lyon Mountain. After leaving the mines, Lester continued to work as a truck driver for cement companies in the area.
A few years later, Lester and his family moved to Rochester, NY. Lester continued to drive truck for Manitou Concrete, while living in Rochester. He remained in Rochester until his death in 1989. As per his wishes, Lester's body was donated to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry for research. Once their research had concluded, Lester's body was cremated and his ashes were spread throughout the University's gardens, although his wishes were to have them spread at White Haven Memorial Park in nearby Pittsford, NY.
Army Discharge Papers - Page 1
Army Discharge Papers - Page 2
