W. Lee Texter

W. Lee Texter, 85, died peacefully on July 7, 2022 at Country Meadows Retirement Community in Wyomissing, PA. Born on May 16, 1937 in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Willard A. and Eleanor H. (Jeffries) Texter. Lee was the widower of Geraldine “Gerry” (Weiherer) Texter. They resided in Muhlenberg Township since 2003. Lee met Gerry in 7th grade at Northeast Junior High School in 1949. They “went steady” from 8th grade until they were married on June 7th, 1958. They celebrated more than 61 years of marriage until Gerry passed away on March 14th, 2020.

Lee is survived by four children - Kathleen Guss, wife of James Guss, West Lawn; Linda Behler, wife of Marlin Behler, Leesport; Robert Texter, husband of Kathy, Phoenixville; and Thomas Texter, husband of Mary (“Molly”), Spring Township. Lee and Gerry were blessed with eight grandchildren – Timothy Guss, husband of Julie; Andrea and Daniel Behler; Erik, Leah, and Rebecca Texter; Alexander and Rose Texter. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. David E. Texter, husband of Cynthia, a niece, Kristen Brudereck, and a nephew, Michael Texter.

Lee graduated from Reading High School in 1955. During his junior and senior high school years he could usually be found at the Olivet Boys’ Club on Mulberry Street where he became a lifetime member. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1954 to 1962.

Lee started his drafting career at Gilbert Associates in 1956. He then worked as an electrical designer/drafter at Sanders & Thomas, Inc., the Wagner Group, J.I. Miller, Inc., Consolidated Engineers, and R.A. Swoyer Associates. While at Wagner, he got to work in every building in the Reading School District from the sub-basement to the roof. The project of which he was most proud was the exterior accent lighting at Reading High School. The building can be seen at night from the former Pizza Hut on the 5th Street Highway. He had over 30 years’ experience as a designer/drafter.

Lee was a member of Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Tuckerton since July 2016 where he was a choir member and soloist. Prior to that he was a member of Holy Cross and the former Covenant and Wesley United Methodist churches in Reading. Over the years he was active at church, serving on many committees, some as chairman. He was a choir member and soloist for more than 60 years. He also threw darts for the Covenant and Wesley Dartball teams and served two terms as president of the Combined Church Dartball League, including the league’s 50th anniversary season in 1982-1983.

Lee loved sports. After high school he played basketball and fast-pitch softball in the city of Reading recreational leagues. In 1963 he took up golf. His crowning achievement in golf was shooting an even par 70 in his Wednesday senior league, but never reached his ultimate goal of getting a hole-in-one or shooting his age. He finally put away his clubs and gave up golf in his mid-70s due to physical limitations.

At his children’s insistence and due to declining health, Lee begrudgingly moved into the Country Meadows Retirement and Assisted Living Community in January 2022. Lee was adjusting to his new circumstances, and his health and mood seemed to be improving since he moved there. He filled his apartment with pictures of his family and began attending church services again at the Country Meadows chapel. He loved watching the Phillies on TV and was enjoying their recent resurgence. So, it was with surprise and sadness to hear of his passing on Thursday morning. We will all miss him.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2022. The family will receive friends and relatives in Bean Funeral Home (1605 Rockland Street, Reading 19604) beginning at 10:00 AM with the service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Laureldale Cemetery.