Lester Ringham

The Reverend Dr. Lester A. Ringham, 97, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025. He recently relocated with his wife, Phyllis, after 34 years in New Albany, IN. He was born in Princeton, IN on March 6,1928 to Paul B and (Ida) Mae Ringham.

A life-long member of the Disciples of Christ (Christian) Church, Lester felt a call to the ministry while attending Butler University. He attended Christian Theological Seminary, played trombone in the band and met the love of his life, Phyllis. He received a Masters of Divinity degree from Lexington Theological Seminary and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from St. Mary’s Seminary and University (Baltimore).

Lester enjoyed a long life and legacy in the ministry. He served 9 churches in 5 states before retiring in 1991. Approached to do interim ministries, he served an additional 10 congregations (some more than once) before retiring a second time in 2005. Upon retirement he served as the volunteer Regional Elder in Southern Indiana. He was a Lifetime Member of the Disciples Historical Society, a hospital chaplain, a 52-year Masonic lodge member and served in many leadership roles in community organizations. He treasured his life-long friendships from Princeton and Butler.

Hobbies included making narrated videos of the many family camping trips to visit family and friends across the country. He instilled in his children a love of travel (though not so much camping), music and laughter, and the importance of acceptance and fairness.

Lester made a great impact on many lives by sharing his wit and conviction that kindness and service to others are the essence of faith. He was truly a man of Light and Love. He will be missed.

Special thanks to the New Albany Central Christian Church family who provided loving support for Lester and Phyllis since 1991. Many thanks to the caring staff at American Village, Indianapolis.

He is survived by daughter Paula (Linda Daley), son Allen (Paula D.), sister Jean Thompson, sister-in-law Joy Chittick, 2 grandsons, 2 great-granddaughters, many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by wife of 75 years Phyllis, daughter Daunita Ringham and his parents, Paul and Mae Ringham.

Celebration of Life will be held in New Albany at a later date.

Contributions may be made to: Central Christian Church – 1315 E. Spring Street, New Albany, IN 47150 www.centralchristianna.org or food pantry of donor’s choosing. Family has requested no flowers, Thank you. 

Condolences and memories may be shared with his daughter: Paula Susemichel, 5703 Broadway Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220 or at her email psusemic@gmail.com.

Arrangements handled by Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Royster-Askin-Sandrock, 2310 W Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222.

Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com