W. Lester Aultman, a longtime resident of Clinton, passed away at his home on April 14, 2026, after an extended illness.  Born on March 3, 1943, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Wilmer and Elizabeth Daglish Aultman, Les grew up on the family farm in Seminary, Mississippi where he and his siblings enjoyed a childhood filled with many adventures, a variety of animals, Tom Sawyer type escapades, and working alongside his daddy helping with farm chores.  He graduated from Seminary High School where he was an outstanding athlete.  Known for his toughness, quickness, and speed, Les was an all-conference standout which resulted in his receiving a scholarship to play football and run track in college.

After attending Jones Junior College, Les graduated from Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Science degree.  He coached football for five years before making a major career change.  Returning to college, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters degree in Geology from the University of Southern Mississippi.  Les began his second career with Gulf Oil Company in Jackson.  Shortly thereafter he received what he considered his biggest and most significant professional opportunity when he began working with Dudley Hughes and Harry Spooner at the Pruet and Hughes Company, in Jackson.  Harry Spooner became a mentor and friend, and Les was deeply grateful for his influence.  For the next thirty-five years, Les was active in the oil and gas industry across the southeast.  Much of that time was spent as an independent consulting geologist.  Known for his strong work ethic and his attention to detail, Les was described by one of his colleagues "as one of the sharpest and brightest geologists in the industry.  He can be proud of his very successful career in the oil and gas industry."

As long as his health allowed, he continued his athletic interests, playing racquet ball and being an active cyclist.  For many years he and his brother canoed and kayaked the whitewater rivers throughout the Southeast.  They fulfilled a boyhood dream when the two of them began a canoe journey on the Okatoma River, which adjoined their farm, and completed their trek a week later in Pascagoula at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico.  One of his fondest memories was spending a week with his son-in-law hiking and rafting through the Grand Canyon.

Always active in professional organizations, Les served as President of Mississippi Geological Society, was a member of Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies, and the American Association of Professional Geologists.  He was instrumental in the formation of the Mississippi State Board of Registered Professional Geologists, and served on the Board of Directors for a number of years.  A devoted Southern Miss fan, he was a member of the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation Honor Club, a life member of the Southern Miss Alumni Association, and the Eagle Club.

Les began his Christian journey at Seminary Baptist Church where he accepted Jesus as his Savior, and his Christian faith became the guiding principle in his life.  He was a member of First Baptist Church in Clinton, where he served as a deacon and taught a Sunday School Class.  He was a kind and generous donor to a number of organizations; his favorite being French Camp Academy.  A man of many interests, he enjoyed working on the family farm, reading, and listening to opera and classical music were his favorite pastimes.  However, his passion was building reproduction Queen Anne furniture in his workshop which he designed and constructed himself to match the family's colonial style house.  He never used a stock design, instead he drew the plans for each piece of furniture he built.  His creations provide elegance and grace to the family's home and are priceless treasures.

A devoted husband and father, Les is survived by his wife, Rosemary Gibens Aultman; two daughters, Paige Aultman Hurley and husband Bill, and Erin Aultman Johnston and husband Troy, all of Ridgeland, Mississippi.  He is survived by four granddaughters; Mary Aultman Hurley Weldon and husband Jacob, Anna Claire Hurley, Caroline Johnston, and Margaret Johnston; and two great grandsons, Henry and Shepherd Weldon.  He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Isaac Aultman and his wife Rachel of Flowood; and a sister, Diane Lafferty of Gulfport.  He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty Jean Bell; and brothers-in-law, Ronny Gibens, Mike Lafferty, and Tom Bell.

Visitation will be Friday, April 24, 2026, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at First Baptist Church in Clinton, followed by a memorial service at 12:00pm.  The family will hold a private burial in the Clinton Cemetery.

Memorial may be made to French Camp Academy or First Baptist Church Missions Gofund.