Obituary, Visitation & Funeral Information

Edward was born on April 11, 1959, in Salt Lake City to Jake and Mary Espinosa. He was the youngest of four children with an older brother and two older sisters. The family lived the longest in the Rose Park area.
Edward attended West High School in Salt Lake City, Utah where he graduated in 1977. After high school Ed started working for The Union Pacific Railroad where he gained many skills and lifelong friends. His time with the railroad was cut short due to an injury, which may have been a blessing in disguise, because he started working for the Salt Lake City School district where he met the love of his life, Cindy Lou Short. They were married in Salt Lake City on July 26, 1999. Cindy had 4 children, three boys; Shannon, Jayson and Justin and 1 daughter; Jennifer. Over the years Ed created meaningful relationships with each child, but everyone knew that Jenny stole his heart.
Ed was one of the kindest and sweetest souls you could ever meet. He was filled to the brim with life and knowledge. He enjoyed fishing trips to the lake, visits to the ocean, fun-filled gambling trips with Cindy, and he truly admired colorful sunsets. At the center of his universe you would find his precious grandchildren, each one he affectionately nicknamed and placed on a pedestal to be spoiled with love whenever in his presence. Ed was famous amongst his grandchildren for making the best ramen noodles ever and his recipe will be passed on through generations to come. Ed loved with all his heart and he even selflessly stepped up to help care for his grandson, Xander. They formed a truly unique and amazing relationship. One could say they were unbreakable together.
Ed cherished his parents, Jake and Mary, and was devastated after losing his mother in 2004. But with the love and support of his wife and family, he found the strength to help his brother and sisters give their father, Jake, the love and care he needed. After his father moved in with Ed’s sister, Ed always looked forward to visiting and watching the Jazz games and sneaking the occasional beer to his father. Those visits continued until his father’s death in 2005.
Ed fought to live life to the fullest until the very end. He did not want to leave his grandkids nor his wife that he adored. Together they complimented one another. She will forever miss his calming, gentle ways, and thankfully cherish all the ups and downs they experienced together in this life. Ed will be missed dearly and until we meet again we will carry him in our hearts, and through our memories he will live on forever.
Edward will be missed and always remain in the hearts of his Wife, Cindy Lou Espinosa; Sons, Shannon Lester (Shelley); Jayson Lester; Daughter, Jennifer Bauman (Michael); Daughter-in-Law, Elizabeth Lester; Grandchildren, Tylan Lester, Xander Street, Keegan Lester, Ryker Bauman, Denali Lester and bonus grandkids, Dominique Sparacino, Elijah Fritz, and Taneil Davey; Sisters, Patricia Redington (Scott); Judy Woolley (Dennis); Brother, Richard Espinosa (Helen Smith); and many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
Edward was preceded in death by his Parents, Mary and Jake Espinosa; and Son, Justin Lester.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Neil O’Donnell Funeral Home, 372 East 100 South, where friends may call one hour prior. Committal, Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave and “T” Street. The family requests that you please wear masks and observe social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Humane Society of Utah (www.utahhumane.org) and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary(https://bestfriends.org/donate/memory).

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