Leslie Spigener

Leslie Duane Spigener passed away on October 26, 2026, on his 91st birthday. He was born in Haile, LA to Mack and Ila V. Spigener, the youngest of three children.

He graduated from Linville High School in 1953. In 1958 he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, TX in the Army Artillery. He served in Germany with the 4th Armored Division for eighteen months. After completing his time in the army, he attended business college in Monroe, LA.

He worked for Trailways Bus Company as a ticket agent in Monroe, LA for a short while before taking a job with Kilpatrick Life Insurance. In 1978 he returned to The Trailways Bus Company as the regional baggage claims manager based in Jackson, MS. He excelled at this job and was promoted to National Baggage Claims Director and had to relocate first to Dallas, TX, then to Des Moines, IA before settling in Carrolton, TX to finish his career retiring in 1994.

He met the love of his life, JoAnne Holder Gandy in 1969 and on July 3, 1970, they married and blended their family of three daughters, Mona, Cindy and Cathy. He was a wonderful patient Daddy raising his three girls; supporting them with love, encouragement and wisdom.

Leslie loved to fish and was actually very good at his sport. He usually had a rod and reel in the trunk of his car in case he passed a good fishing spot and decided to cast for a while. Not only could he catch fish, he was a pro at fileting and frying them for his family and friends to enjoy.

Working in his yard was a favorite past time. He would mow, trim and plant things in order to have a pristine yard; usually under the watchful eye of JoAnne. He also enjoyed tinkering in his garage that had just about every tool imaginable. Over the years he had learned how to fix or repair most anything around the house.

Leslie and JoAnne were dedicated Christians and were active members of First Baptist Church Minden after they moved there in retirement. They not only talked about Christianity but they lived it daily. They ministered to several senior church members assisting them and bringing them joy during their final years. The many friendships they developed in the church led to many wonderful times together. They met with friends regularly to play cards, fellowship and share a meal. They truly cherished those friendships.

Leslie and JoAnne had the opportunity to travel in their retirement years seeing many beautiful places in the United States and abroad. They especially enjoyed traveling with Mona and Craig making wonderful memories.

Transitioning into becoming a Papaw was one of his greatest joys! He loved spending time with his grandchildren and he taught them many things but the most enjoyable was teaching them how to fish.

If you followed Leslie on Facebook, you would know he loved rock music and could recite every word to his favorite songs. He often made references to song lyrics in many situations or to describe his love for JoAnne and their life together.

From his April 12, 2010, post, “I thank you for the music and your stories of the road. I thank you for my freedom when it came my time to go. I thank you for the kindness and the time when you got tough. And Papa, I don’t think I said “I love you enough.”

Rest in peace Daddy, you said it enough! We love you!!

The family would like to thank the staff of Montclair Chateaus for their wonderful care of Leslie as well as Passages Hospice.

Leslie was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Ila V Spigener, his wife JoAnne Spigener, brother Marvin Spigener, sister Patty Green, and daughter Lynne Spigener.

He is survived by his daughters: Mona Gandy Farley (Craig), Cindy Gandy Jeansonne (Lyle), Cathy Spigener Mancini (John), grandchildren: Mike Farley (Cami), Megan Farley Marttila, Joseph Donald, Thomas Jeansonne, David Jeansonne, Matthew Jeansonne, Rachel Jeansonne LaBruyere (Louis), Cassidy Mancini, Megan Mancini, and Jack Mancini (Ellice) Great Grandchildren: Dusti Farley, Garrette Farley, Hanna Farley, Riley Marttila, Lily Marttila, Madison Jeansonne, Marlie Donald and Zoey Donald Great-Great Grandchildren. Denver, Stormi and Kash as well as a host of nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Leslie Duane Spigener passed away on October 26, 2026, on his 91st birthday. He was born in Haile, LA to Mack and Ila V. Spigener, the youngest of three children.

He graduated from Linville High School in 1953. In 1958 he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, TX in the Army Artillery. He served in Germany with the 4th Armored Division for eighteen months. After completing his time in the army, he attended business college in Monroe, LA.

He worked for Trailways Bus Company as a ticket agent in Monroe, LA for a short while before taking a job with Kilpatrick Life Insurance. In 1978 he returned to The Trailways Bus Company as the regional baggage claims manager based in Jackson, MS. He excelled at this job and was promoted to National Baggage Claims Director and had to relocate first to Dallas, TX, then to Des Moines, IA before settling in Carrolton, TX to finish his career retiring in 1994.

He met the love of his life, JoAnne Holder Gandy in 1969 and on July 3, 1970, they married and blended their family of three daughters, Mona, Cindy and Cathy. He was a wonderful patient Daddy raising his three girls; supporting them with love, encouragement and wisdom.

Leslie loved to fish and was actually very good at his sport. He usually had a rod and reel in the trunk of his car in case he passed a good fishing spot and decided to cast for a while. Not only could he catch fish, he was a pro at fileting and frying them for his family and friends to enjoy.

Working in his yard was a favorite past time. He would mow, trim and plant things in order to have a pristine yard; usually under the watchful eye of JoAnne. He also enjoyed tinkering in his garage that had just about every tool imaginable. Over the years he had learned how to fix or repair most anything around the house.

Leslie and JoAnne were dedicated Christians and were active members of First Baptist Church Minden after they moved there in retirement. They not only talked about Christianity but they lived it daily. They ministered to several senior church members assisting them and bringing them joy during their final years. The many friendships they developed in the church led to many wonderful times together. They met with friends regularly to play cards, fellowship and share a meal. They truly cherished those friendships.

Leslie and JoAnne had the opportunity to travel in their retirement years seeing many beautiful places in the United States and abroad. They especially enjoyed traveling with Mona and Craig making wonderful memories.

Transitioning into becoming a Papaw was one of his greatest joys! He loved spending time with his grandchildren and he taught them many things but the most enjoyable was teaching them how to fish.

If you followed Leslie on Facebook, you would know he loved rock music and could recite every word to his favorite songs. He often made references to song lyrics in many situations or to describe his love for JoAnne and their life together.

From his April 12, 2010, post, “I thank you for the music and your stories of the road. I thank you for my freedom when it came my time to go. I thank you for the kindness and the time when you got tough. And Papa, I don’t think I said “I love you enough.”

Rest in peace Daddy, you said it enough! We love you!!

The family would like to thank the staff of Montclair Chateaus for their wonderful care of Leslie as well as Passages Hospice.

Leslie was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Ila V Spigener, his wife JoAnne Spigener, brother Marvin Spigener, sister Patty Green, and daughter Lynne Spigener.

He is survived by his daughters: Mona Gandy Farley (Craig), Cindy Gandy Jeansonne (Lyle), Cathy Spigener Mancini (John), grandchildren: Mike Farley (Cami), Megan Farley Marttila, Joseph Donald, Thomas Jeansonne, David Jeansonne, Matthew Jeansonne, Rachel Jeansonne LaBruyere (Louis), Cassidy Mancini, Megan Mancini, and Jack Mancini (Ellice) Great Grandchildren: Dusti Farley, Garrette Farley, Hanna Farley, Riley Marttila, Lily Marttila, Madison Jeansonne, Marlie Donald and Zoey Donald Great-Great Grandchildren. Denver, Stormi and Kash as well as a host of nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Serving as Pall Bearers: Thomas Jeansonne, David Jeansonne, Joseph Donald, Matthew Jeansonne, Cassidy Mancini, Jack Mancini and Louis LaBruyere.

Honorary Pall Bearers: Laddie Ulmer, Mary and Darrell Winget, Sid and Kay Sims, Wayne and Laverne Chance, Bill and Sondra Crider, Don and Carolyn Sawyer.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. with funeral services beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Rose Neath Funeral Home Chapel in Minden, LA with Bro. Leland Crawford officiating. Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden, LA.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to First Baptist Church Minden, LA.