Lester "Lee" Spears, age 97, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at his home surrounded by family after a long bout with heart and lung illness.

Lee is survived by his daughter, Loretta Kelch of Mannford; his son, Rickey Spears of Sapulpa; his son, Rocky Spears and wife, Melinda of Sapulpa and his sister, Allene Allison of Hulbert.  His family also included four grandchildren: Will Kelch and Teresa Kelch of Kellyville; Melissa Spears of Checotah, Kristy Blevins and husband Jason of Broken Arrow.  Seven great-grandchildren: Nicholas Spears of Sapulpa, Nathan Gilliland of Catoosa, Lindsey Gilliland and Ashlyn Gilliland of Checotah; Hunter Spears of Catoosa, Reanna Spears and Alaska Wolfe of Broken Arrow; two great-great-grandchildren: Brynlee and Dawson and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.  Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Nila and his son, Randall "Randy" Spears.

Lee was born in Hulbert, OK on June 18, 1928, to Charley and Lillie Spears.  Lee was the second of four children.  His parents, brother, Homer Spears and sister, Arlean Petersen preceded him in death.  Lee worked on a 100-acre farm as a tractor driver before entering military service.

He entered the U S Army in February 1946 and was honorably discharged in January 1949; while serving his country, he achieved the rank of Corporal as a gun crewman, Light-844 artillery unit consisting of operation of a 75-mm howitzer and a 105-mm howitzer.  He received an Occupation Medal and a World War II Victory Medal.

After leaving the service, Lee held various jobs in the agricultural, trucking and electronics areas.  Lee attended Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Okmulgee, OK.  Lee worked as a long-haul driver for W R Stubbs Transport Company. After leaving the trucking industry, he acquired an education in the electronics area. His most recent employment was as a television repairman with OTASCO in Tulsa, from which he retired.

One of Lee's passions was his music; he was a band member of the Willard Franke and the Oklahoma Boys who played as a backup band for Ernest Tubb in Lawton Ok in 1952. Lee's music eventually led him to his future wife, Nila Fuller.  Lee was a member of a country and western band that played at various community events such as the Okfuskee Community Center at the "Little Grand Ole Opry" where he met Nila, and the romance began from there. Lee and Nila were married in Lawton on September 23, 1952.

Over the years, Lee with his wife Nila attended various churches and continued Lee's love of music by performing as the Gospel Crusaders singing group.  Lee played several musical instruments which included the guitar, violin and mandolin.  Lee and Nila played music and sang for many years at the Fuller Family reunions along with Wendell Fuller, Lee's brother-in law, and many other musical family members.

Two of the most noted qualities of Lee were his giving the "best hugs" and serving as the family video historian at the many Fuller Family Reunions held over the past years.

We will miss our Dad, Papa, Brother, Uncle and friend as he makes his journey to be with Our Heavenly Father.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2nd, from 6-8 pm at Traditions Funeral Chapel in Kellyville. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 3rd, at 1:00pm at Praise Center Ministries in Sapulpa, OK. Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services 35 S Main in Kellyville, Oklahoma 918-247-7373.