Lester Gene Spencer

Lester Gene Spencer, age 73, of Gun Barrel City, Texas, passed away on June 8, 2023, in Arkansas.

Lester was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Bennie and Ruby Murphy Spencer. At age 10, the family moved to Dallas, Texas. He graduated in 1968 from H. Grady Spruce High School. Before getting drafted, Les worked as a naturalist for the Museum of Natural History in Dallas. He served three years in the U.S. Army (1969-1972), including one year in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne. After the Army, he went to work for the Dallas Zoo as an animal handler. Les loved animals and had many unusual pets. Later he was a photographer and reporter for the Mena Star in Arkansas. He went on to be a traveling portrait photographer and had his own studio at Olan Mills in Dallas. Les loved the open road and became an over-the-road truck driver after his studio closed. From the age of 14, motorcycles were his passion, and he spent vacations traveling. He was a member of the Christian Motorcyclist Association and a baptized believer.

Les is pre-deceased by his parents and sister Shirley Montgomery. Also, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his wife Sandy, children Katherine Jenkins (Justin), Thomas Allen, William Abercrombie (Shannon), Kristin Allen, and 10 grandchildren. Also, brother-in-law Craig Montgomery, niece Jennifer Starkey (Sean), nephews Jason Allen and John Montgomery (Effie), uncle George Murphy (Debbie), aunts Fern Knight (Loyd), and Charlotte Mayfield, and many cousins, great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roselawn-funerals.com for the Spencer family.

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