Lester William Cauthon passed away on Saturday February 28th, 2015 while on his Colorado flight. He was just over the Colorado state line when he peacefully closed his eyes and started his new journey. Lester's "Last Wish" was to visit Colorado. Lester's wish was to be cremated and then have a Memorial service with Family and Friends. The Memorial service will be on Saturday March 14, 2015 and held at Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, 314 W. Jefferson Street, Clinton, MO. 64735. Visitation will start at 1:00PM and the service at 2:00PM .  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Lester Cauthon Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home.  Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com .

He leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Linda; two sons: Rick Cauthon and wife, Monica, of Olathe, KS and Ron Cauthon of Clinton, MO; 6 grandchildren: Kayla May and husband, Jeff, of Berwick, PA, Sarah Smidt and husband, Dane of Warrensburg, MO, Malerie Moore of Charleston,SC, Nic Cauthon of Clinton, MO, Clayton Cauthon of San Diego, CA and Ricky Joseph Cauthon of Olathe, KS; and two great grandchildren: Jessica Smidt and Jason Smidt of Warrensburg, MO.

He was preceded in death by parents, Jesse and Maude Cauthon; three brothers: Vernon Eugene, Charles Eldon and Billy Joe; and one sister, Bonnie McWilliams.

Les was born October 27, 1944 in Clinton, MO, the son of Jesse and Maude (Hixson) Cauthon. He graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, MO and was united in marriage to Linda Arlene Braun on December 5, 1961. To this union, they were blessed with two sons: Ricky "Rick" Eugene and Ronald "Ron" Dean. During his life, he worked for the Clinton Fire Department as both a volunteer fireman and a full time fireman (December '62-July '76). He also owned and operated multiple service stations in the Clinton and surrounding areas for 43 years, including Les's APCO, later named Les's Auto Center. After retirement, Les worked at Golden Valley Tractor, Inc. in Clinton and Harrisonville, MO in the the parts department and as a salesman. In past years, Les and Linda were involved in the Golden Valley Saddle Club and, more recently, with the Danny B. Miles Rodeo Club. Les also enjoyed camping and boating with his family and friends. There were many stories told about his fishing and hunting trips. He loved to go on Elk hunting trips with his hunting buddies in Colorado. His passion for hunting started as a young boy hunting in the Golden Valley. His final Elk hunt was with his older brother, Bill, who passed away in 2007. As a couple, Les and Linda enjoyed bowling on leagues and in tournaments together. Les was especially proud of his perfect game of 300 that he bowled in October 1989. Les loved to travel and often times took trips that included NASCAR races, PRCA & IPRA rodeos, as well as PBR bull riding. Les enjoyed traveling the United States and Canada. He really enjoyed traveling to Colorado with his children and grand children river rafting and ATV riding in the mountains. Family was especially important to Les. He enjoyed the holidays when family and friends would come together to celebrate. Many memories were made over late night card games. Les enjoyed sharing stories with his grandchildren who will always cherish those memories. Les will be missed greatly and he will be in the hearts of his family and friends forever.

"Spirit of the Smoke"

I have made that final journey
Into the mountains is where
I went To seek others who have gone before me
I've gone camping in God's great tent

Smoke rising from the camp fire
Through the branches of Life's tree
It is my spirit rising from Earth
Becoming one with the sky and sea

Your heart shall be my Heaven
I have taught you all I know
To fish, to hunt, to laugh, to cry
My tent is ready, it is time to go

When you cast a line upon the water
Or pound a tent stake into the ground
That smoke from every campfire
Means my spirit is all around.