AUBURN – Dr. Lester Miller, DMD, a retired Auburn dentist, 96, of 49 Charles St., Lewiston, died unexpectedly Friday, Aug. 29, at The Hospice House with his wife at his side.

He was born in Auburn, Jan. 9, 1912, a son of Isaac and Rebecca Miller. He was educated in Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High School. After high school, he graduated from Bates College, and then went on to receive his degree in medical dentistry from Tufts University in 1943.

He was a military veteran, having served his country in the Dental Corps during World War II. During his service time, he spent 31 months stationed in England, France and Germany until his honorable discharge as a captain.

In 1950, he married the former Marianne Elfert in Minneapolis, Minn. After their marriage, they returned to Lewiston-Auburn to settle here and raise their family.

He owned and operated his private dental practice in Auburn for 36 years until his retirement in January 1980. He was well-respected within his profession and was trusted and well-liked by his extensive and longtime patient population.

He was a member of both local synagogues for many years, Congregation Beth Abraham and Temple Shalom.

His professional memberships included the Androscoggin Valley Maine Dental Association, the New England Dental Association, as well as the American Dental Association. He was on the courtesy staff at both Central Maine Medical Center and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and also served as a library trustee from 1984 until 1990 for the city of Lewiston. He was a member of Ancient Brothers Lodge 178 of Auburn and was a 32nd degree Mason and member of Kora Temple Shrine.

Among his favorite enjoyments in his free time were reading, especially of history, which he loved learning about, stamp collecting and photography. Like so many other locals, he was also a loyal and avid Red Sox fan.

He leaves his wife of 58 years, Marianne Miller of Lewiston; a daughter, Evelyn Miller; and three grandsons, David, Sam and Adam Mortimer.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Elaine Miller.