Leslie "Lucky" Ernest Spires Jr.

Leslie “Lucky” Ernest Spires Jr., 74, of Alden passed away October 29, 2023, at his home.  He was born February 19, 1949, in Mancelona to parents Leslie Sr. and Vivian (Stratton) Spires. 

Lucky was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and poppa. He spent many years supporting his children and grandchildren by attending their sporting events. His voice could be heard above the crowds encouraging them. Lucky also had a distinct whistle that would get your attention at family gatherings. Lucky was the life of the party and everyone’s favorite polka partner. 

He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling to the U.P., especially to visit the waterfalls. 

 Lucky worked at DURA in Mancelona for many years, as well as the County building in Bellaire. He then worked for the Antrim County Road Commission where he retired in 2014. 

On June 15, 1968, in Mancelona, he married his high school sweetheart, Elaine J. Gildas, who survives him.  Also surviving are two children Michael (Brenda) Spires of Mancelona and Gregory (Angela) Spires of Alden, grandchildren Jenelle (Scott) MacKenzie of Granger, IN, Austin (Meghan) Spires of Gaylord, Justin (Maria) Spires of Shelby Twp., and Kaitlyn Spires of Alden, three great grandchildren Leighla MacKenzie, Lucas MacKenzie, and Jack Spires, brother Richard (Jane) Spires of Bellaire, seven sisters, Zila Healey of Charlevoix, Martina Sutter, Gertrude (Kenneth) Westcott, Edna (Norman) Lanning, Sheryl (David) Miller, Bonnie (Jay) Wildfong, and Jeanne (Eric) Hoogerhyde, all of Mancelona, two brothers-in-law, William (Maryann) Gildas and James Gildas, both of Ocala, FL and two sisters-in-law, Jane Lopinski of Alden and Helen Spires of Mancelona, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Samuel Spires, two brothers- in -law, Thomas Healey and Harry Sutter, and a nephew Brian Gildas. 

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to The American Heart Association P.O. BOX 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, Munson Hospice, 1105 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684 or The Mancelona Sports Boosters 112 St Johns Ave, Mancelona, Mi. Checks can be written to MPS with Spires Memorial written in the memo. 

A celebration of life will be held May 4th at the Helena Township Hall in Alden. Time to be announced. 

Arrangements are under the care of the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com