KILMARNOCK—Lester Harry “Pogo” Brent Jr., 88, an icon in the Town of Kilmarnock and Lancaster County, passed away on March 5, 2025, after a long illness.
Born on November 7, 1936, in Kilmarnock, he was the second child of Julia Leah Burke Brent and Lester Harry Brent Sr.
His mother died just before he turned three. Blessed with an unparalleled work ethic, he grew up mowing lawns, delivering newspapers and working on the presses at the Rappahannock Record. He saved his money and bought his first car, a Jeep, before he could drive. Named best athlete in his senior class, he was a baseball player and a scrappy guard on the basketball team. Upon graduation from Kilmarnock High School in 1954, he joined the Air Force and spent his tour of duty in Germany and Montana. He retired as a master sergeant from the Air Force Reserves, after serving for over 20 years.
Upon his discharge from the Air Force in 1958, he attended barber school and began working with his father, Harry Brent, in Brent’s Barber Shop on Main Street in 1959, until Harry’s death in 1974. He then opened Lester’s Barber Shop in a tucked-away location across from the Tri-Star Supermarket in 1975 and operated continuously until his building was lost in a fire in 2022. He cut multiple generations of families’ hair and on Sundays, his only day off, he tirelessly traveled to nursing homes, the hospital, private homes and funeral homes to give haircuts.
He joined the Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department in 1960 and was also a member of the American Legion. He worked at the Fireman’s Carnival duck stand for 56 years. He remained very active in local sports until well into his 60s. Perhaps his most significant sports achievement was his tenure from 1959 to 1962 as a member of “The Legendary” Texacos, where he made lifelong friendships. He was instrumental in the team’s undefeated run through the new Lancaster Softball League in 1960 and was named the team’s best defensive player that year. He also was an avid and accomplished bowler.
He was a long-standing member of Kilmarnock Baptist Church, where he served as deacon. Among his numerous community commitments and achievements, the most notable was his unwavering service to friends and neighbors. He truly loved people, as evidenced by the many mornings he would get up early before work to help tie the shoes of his best friend “Shorty” McCrobie, who likely gave him his nickname, “Pogo.” He would then retrieve ladies’ newspapers from their boxes and deliver them to their front steps, all done while on his morning jog or riding his bike to work each day, something he did until he was in his early 80s. In 2005, he was formally recognized for his community service by receiving the Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Award for Community Service.
He was predeceased by his parents, his stepmother, Mary Alice Brent; his sisters, Betty Leah Davis and Barbara Lewis; his brother, Thomas Julian Brent; as well as his grandson, Cary McNeel Gilmore.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Susan Bonner Brent; his daughters, Katherine Onder (Jeff) and Lesley Gilmore (Thomas); his grandchildren, Taylor (Megan) and Caroline Onder and Alexander Brent Gilmore. He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley B. Davis and Bonnie B. Anthony; and a brother, Dennis Brent. He also is survived by two great-grandchildren, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Currie Funeral Home.
Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at Kilmarnock Baptist Church. Pallbearers are George Snead, Gary Wilkins, Steve Barksdale, Mal Ransone, David Cornwell and Sonny Thomas. Honorary pallbearers are Carroll Whay, Eddie Bosher, Stewart Revere, Carroll Lee Ashburn, Lawrence Barrack and William Fitchett.
Internment will immediately follow at Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department or the charity of one’s choice.
