Sergeant First Class Lester Patrick Spiller Sr.

On a cool Sunday, December 10, 1944, Hazel Antee gave birth to Lester Patrick Spiller Sr., in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the first of her five children to be born. Soon after, she moved to Houston, TX. and allowed her sister, Regina Spiller, along with her husband, Herman Spiller, to adopt Lester, in hopes of providing a good foundation and a prosperous life for him.

He attended St. Peters Catholic School for many years. He also attended Jack Yates High School briefly, until Evan E. Worthing High School was built. He graduated from Worthing and soon after, was drafted into military, specifically to fight in the Vietnam War. He joined the United States Army, where he began his career, served 2 tours in Vietnam, and traveled the world.

Upon entering the United States Army, Lester completed the following course work: Wheel Vehicle Organization, NCO Instructor, Advanced NCOES, Winter Operations, and Motor Sergeant. While serving in the military, Lester was a Light Wheel Vehicle and Power Generation Mechanic, a Motor Transport Operator, a Unit Supply Specialist, as well as a Track Vehicle Repairer. With much training, he truly became a specialist in the area of auto mechanics and more. He was organized, hardworking, and well loved by his colleagues. After decades of serving his country, Lester P. Spiller Sr. was well decorated with medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons.

He received the following accolades:

Rifle M16-Sharpshooter, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Mechanic’s Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Overseas Service Bars “2”, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry 2/Palm, Good Conduct Medal (6 Awards), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (“4”), and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon.

It was a known fact that Lester did life on his own terms. He didn’t suppress his feelings, nor did he sugarcoat any subject. If he thought it, he said it. He didn’t always play by society’s rules, but he made sure he did the things that brought him happiness. He loved women, children, and spending time with his life-long significant other, Peggy Rushing.

Lester Patrick Spiller Sr., a proud and retired veteran of the United States Army, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, after a lengthy battle with various health issues. His son, Lester Patrick Spiller Jr., was by his side every step of the way.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Regina and Herman Spiller, Jerry, and most recently, Janet Gillette, (Edward), whom he raised. He is survived by his mom, Hazel Antee Hinson, brothers Ronald “Butch” Spiller, Marshall Mahammad, sisters Karen Foley and Daisey Hinson. Additionally, he leaves to mourn his life and legacy, a son, Lester Patrick Spiller Jr., (Veronica) and grandchildren, Chloe and Patrick Spiller. Throughout his 77 years, 5 months, and a few days of life on earth, he served as a father to many, which includes Jonathan Scott Whitley Sr., Eric Spiller, and Michael Spiller. His quick wit, sarcasm, and enormous personality will be missed by all who knew and loved him.