Lee R. Spooner, Jr., age 83, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Friday, December 30, 2011, at Jenkins Living Center in Watertown.  Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Watertown.  Lt. Tony and Lt. Brianne Bowers will officiate.  Music will also be provided by the Bowers. 

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.  Military graveside honors will be presented by Codington County Post #17 of the American Legion, Watertown, and the Military Funeral Honors Team of the SD Army National Guard.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of the American Legion and the SD Army National Guard.  Active pallbearers will be Lee’s grandchildren: Ryan Webb, Michelle Edmundson, Brad Edmundson and Kevin Morse.

Visitation will be at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and prior to services at the chapel on Wednesday.

Lee was born on August 19, 1928, at Watertown, SD, to Lee Roy and Bessie (Bowles) Spooner, Sr.  He worked with his dad at Spooner Homebuilders. Lee joined the SD Army National Guard on November 19, 1946.

On December 25, 1950, Lee married Marvella “Marvie” Kruse at Colorado Springs, CO.  Following Lee’s tour of duty in Alaska, the couple returned to Watertown where Lee worked again with his father.  Lee retired after serving 33 years with the Guards.  After his father’s retirement, Lee managed the business with his son, Larry, under the name, Spooner Home Maintenance, until his retirement.

He was a member of First Baptist Church and the American Legion.  Lee enjoyed visiting with neighbors and family, especially his great-granddaughter, Piper Webb and volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club teaching woodworking.

Lee is survived by two daughters, Cheryl (Roger) Morse of Norfolk, NE, and Sandra Webb of Watertown; three grandchildren: Ryan (Kathy) Webb of Watertown, Michelle (Brad) Edmundson of Omaha, NE, and Kevin Morse of Norfolk, NE; one great-granddaughter, Piper Webb, of Watertown; three brothers: Rev. Keith (Betty) Spooner of Concord, CA, Dean (Pam) Spooner of Watertown, and Dale  Spooner of Lancaster, CA; and one sister, Sylvia Struck, of Miller, SD.

He was preceded in death by his wife; one son, Larry; one son-in-law, David Webb; his parents; one sister, Mildred Mors; and one sister-in-law, Carol Spooner.