Lester "Peanut" Scott's Treasured Memory

It is with profound sadness that the passing of Lester "Peanut" Scott, a beloved father, grandfather, husband, sibling, and friend, is announced.

Lester DeWayne (Peanut) Scott was born to the late Stanley Preston Scott Sr. and Sadie Mae Eaton Scott on July 17, 1964, in Monroe, Louisiana. Affectionately known as "Peanut," Lester was baptized at an early age at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church by the late John L. Russel Sr. Lester was a proud graduate of Carroll High School's class of 1982, where he helped the school's basketball team win the Louisiana High 5A State Basketball Championship as the star point guard. In the fall of 1982, he enrolled in Grambling State University on a full basketball scholarship.

In 1985, Lester moved to Los Angeles with his friend and teammate Benoit Benjamin. He met his wife Cheryl Paddock in 1988 and married her at sunset in Honolulu, Hawaii, surrounded by friends on December 3, 1988. He and Cheryl welcomed their daughter, Alyssa Anne Scott, on May 11, 1989, and their son, Sean Evan Scott, on February 24, 1994. Lester and Cheryl raised their children in Sylmar, California, where he lived a joyful and rich life until his passing. While living in Sylmar, Lester found a brother and best friend in his neighbor Joe Hernandez and a second family in the extended Hernandez/Salazar family, enjoying camping trips, family weddings, and Saturday morning meals with Joe and his family.

Lester's life was rich and full. While he had humble beginnings, he was more than just a boy from the country. He was a history buff and took pride in his knowledge of worldly events and fine arts, passing this on to his children, always ensuring there was something to learn on family vacations. From Waikiki to Sydney, he traveled with his family, experiencing the wonders of the world. He was a lover of music, singing and dancing with his friends and family, acting goofy to make his children laugh as he busted moves. Lester was always a big kid at heart, watching Saturday morning cartoons with his kids and grandkids, performing Disney songs in the family room, and watching "Big O" on Saturday nights. He would cry at movies but never let anyone mention it. He had a big heart that softened as he aged, letting his friends and family know how much love he held in his heart.

Lester was the biggest mama's boy. He never missed his nightly phone call with his beloved mother Sadie, his hero and family matriarch. When she passed in 2018, he counted on his "twin" sister Sarah to fill the void, speaking on the phone almost every night, deepening their immeasurable bond. Lester went home to be with the Lord on June 9, 2024.

Lester considered his greatest accomplishments to be his roles as a father and grandfather. As a grandfather, he cherished the opportunity to watch his grandsons, Luca and Benjamin Tomala grow and flourish. His love for his family extended to his son-in-law, Adrian Tomala, and his daughter-in-law, Andrea Wistuba Behrens.

Lester was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Preston Scott Sr.; his mother, Sadie Scott; his oldest sister, Carol Jean Coleman; and his older brother, Cleveland Ray Scott.

He is survived by his partner in life and constant companion, Cheryl Paddock Scott, and their two children: his cherished first-born child and daughter, Alyssa Anne Scott, her husband Adrian Tomala, who blessed him with two beloved grandsons, Luca Matteo Tomala and Benjamin Léon Tomala. He also leaves behind his youngest child and son, Sean Evan Scott, and his wife Andrea Carolina Wistuba Behrens. He is further survived by his beloved older siblings: Sarah Scott Stanley, Stanley Preston Scott, Charles Eaton, Clara Mae Scott McGhee, Ruby Kay Scott; beloved niece, Victoria "Cookie" Scott Weathersby; and nephew, Antonio "Mook" Scott. He also leaves behind special cousins Dennis R. Mitchell of San Francisco, CA, Renee Duhon of Los Angeles, CA, best friend and brother Joe Hernandez (Lupe) of Sylmar, CA, George "Lucky" Sumler of Oakland, CA, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends in California, Texas, and Louisiana. While his loss leaves an emptiness that can never be filled, the memory of Lester's life and the legacy he established will forever remain in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him. May his spirit find peace and comfort in the next journey, and may his memory continue to light his family's lives.

Funeral services in California are Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Rucker's Mortuary, 12460 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, CA. Funeral services in Monroe, LA, are Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Greater Free Gift Baptist Church, 5510 U.S. Hwy. 165, Monroe, LA.

Photo: Lester DeWayne (Peanut) Scott