2015: CALHOUN MUSIC ICON LESTER MCCUMBERS PASSES AT 93 - "I've Lived A Simple Life, Close To The Earth, An Honest Record"

(01/22/2026)

GENTLEMAN LESTER MCCUMBERS: A CALHOUN MUSIC ICON Calhoun fiddler Lester McCumbers, striking 93 in 2014, said "I've lived a simple life close to the earth, and I have an honest record." Award winning fiddler, Lester McCumbers, 93, of the Nicut backwoods, an icon in mountain music circles, has died. The unassuming man has always been described as "the real thing," clinging to his values, his roots, his music and a hardworking life. In 2004 he became the first West Virginian to win the first place blue ribbon in the fiddle contest at the Appalachian String Band Festival at Clifftop. In 2005 he was a recipient of the Vandalia Award presented by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, recognizing a lifetime contribution to West Virginia's folk culture. The Herald has done dozens of stories on the fiddler, his life and his music. They will be treasured, the joy of listening to him tell stories and playing a tune. Funeral services will be at 1:00pm Friday at Stump Funeral Home in Arnoldsburg with Rev. Chris Stout officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Run Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 10:00am-1:00pm prior to the services. Se complete obituary Lester Virgil McCumbers (Kim Johnson Photo) LESTER MCCUMBERS - A Calhoun Treasure, Life Close To The Earth CALHOUN'S MOUNTAIN MUSIC ICON LESTER MCCUMBERS TEACHING AT WV STRING BAND FEST LESTER LIVES HIS DREAM - McCumbers Fiddles On Grand Ole Opry Stage LESTER MCCUMBERS IS 1ST PLACE FIDDLER AT VANDALIA

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