Lester "Speedy" Maurice Beadle

“L. M. “Speedy” Beadle, 88, of Sparks passed away at home on January 7, 2024, surrounded by family. Speedy was born in a small cabin by Runnells Creek in Sparks, Texas on September 8, 1935, to J.L. and Lillian Inez Beadle. Speedy was the oldest of two children. Speedy attended school at Academy and graduated in 1953. He played offense and defense for football because he was known to be the toughest and meanest on the field and had the most grit. He proudly wore the #32 on his back and his grandchildren have carried on this legacy.

Speedy married his high school sweetheart, Inez Deaver, on September 18, 1954. They had three children, Debra Lynn, Shelly Denise, and Lester Kyle. Unfortunately, Shelly died three days after birth.

After high school, Speedy worked numerous jobs, as well as supplementing his income by farming with his father. Speedy worked for the Temple Post Office for 26 years supervising the mail processing department before retiring in 1992.

After retirement, he enjoyed raising cattle and farming his land in Sparks, Texas. He loved camping, fishing, traveling, going to the horseraces and to an occasional casino. He was well-known for the steaks he cooked on the grill for his family. He loved to garden, pick dewberries and pecans, and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. Speedy was well known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He had a talent of making everyone laugh. Speedy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Academy for 49 years.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Shelly; as well as his parents and sister, June, and his beloved wife, Inez. He is survived by his daughter, Debra Dorsey and husband Harold Dorsey, and son Kyle Beadle, all from Sparks, Texas. Surviving Mr. Beadle are 6 grandchildren, Kory, Amber, Koby, Jordan, Chad, and London. Speedy also had 13 great-grandchildren, with one due next week, as well as one great-great grandchild and another due in May.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 10 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Temple, Texas from 6–8 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10 am Thursday, January 11, at the First Baptist Church of Academy. Rev. Brent Boatwright will officiate. Burial will follow at Wilson Valley Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowerstemple.com for the Beadle family.”