SFC ESTEL DENNY SPAKES

ESTEL DENNY SPAKES

Michael Spakes
Son
Patriot Guard
Hello Dad. I'm sorry it's been a while since I last visited but I have something I want to share with you. You were seriously on my mind through Thanksgiving and somehow, for three days non-stop, I watched an endless number of video clips showing our military heroes returning home and being excitedly reunited with their loved ones. It was both emotionally draining and bittersweet for me. It brought tears of happiness to my eyes to see the soldiers reunite with their spouses and children. It also tore me apart, knowing we were not able to have this joyous reunion. In my anguish I began watching videos of our fallen heroes being brought home over the last several years and saw their families going through the same tragic experience as our family. With each plane arrival, escort and military burial I relived the pain of our loss right along with those families. It was at that time I believe God looked down at my self torment and steered me in a new direction. Within these videos I began seeing hundreds of motorcycle riders escorting our fallen heroes. They are called the Patriot Guard Riders. They serve to show respect and honor to the soldiers as well as allowing the families to peacefully bury their loved ones without distraction from protesters or intimidation by any group. I think subconsciously I knew they were there but it took a few minutes for me to realize that I am being called to become a part of this.... to help families that are going through what we did. Your grandchildren are in college and will be on their own soon enough and not need the 'old' man as much. I am approaching retirement and I believe this is what I am supposed to do. There's a few logistics to work out but I can do this while they finish college. I actually joined the organization tonight. I am officially a Patriot Guard Member and soon enough will work towards becoming an active participant. I believe I really want to do this, not only to honor our fallen heroes and families but to honor your service, our family, and in your memory. My goal in life has always been to raise my children and see them happy and doing well. That hasn't changed but now I feel I have a purpose to follow. I believe this is what I'm supposed to do and I will gladly spend my retirement years honoring those who serve and sacrifice for our country just as you and our family did. I wanted you to know this. With Love and in your memory......your son, Michael
Nov 29, 2015

Michael Spakes
Son
Remembering You Today

Dad.....Forty-six years ago today you left your earthly home to be with our Heavenly Father. You are so missed....... I thought about you all day and felt the need to write to our family about memories of our past and present. You and Mom loved and cared for us through all the good times and hard times. Life wasn't always easy but we, as children, didn't know it because you and Mom never let it show. Losing you was such a blow but Mom held us together and we continued on. In my letter I spoke of so many memories I hold dear. In the short time you and I had together, you made my childhood memorable...... enough to last a lifetime. One day I will see you again. With Love.....
Mar 12, 2014

Kaylee Spakes
Granddaughter
In Remembrance of My Grandfather
Dearest Grandfather, It is currently 7 am on November 11, 2013. It's Veteran's Day. My name is Kaylee and I am the daughter of your son, Michael, and your granddaughter. You never met me however, I have always thought about you ever since I was born. I am currently 18 years old and in college studying hard to be a Nurse, so I can help others just like you did. I have always wondered what you were like and what it would have been like if I had had the honor to meet you. My dad has shared many stories about you and because of that, I almost feel like I know you personally. When I was in 5th grade, my class took a trip to Washington D.C. and we spent some time walking around the memorials. When we got to the Vietnam Wall, I was so overwhelmed at how many people gave their lives for this country we live in. I remember calling my dad in a panic because I had lost the tiny piece of paper that had the location of your name on it, only to find it in my back pocket minutes later. I was so excited to finally be able to see your name, but then it all hit me. You had given up your life to protect the ones you loved and for people you had never even met. I remember beginning to get teary eyed as one of the kind women that were there helped me get an etching of your name. I was so thankful for what you and many others had done for this country. This sticks so clearly in my mind because I could finally reach out and touch your name and see that all the stories I had heard growing up about you were all right there in front of me. After I did the etching, I took my hand and ran it over your name and was amazed at how somebody I had never even met had touched my life so much. The rest of the trip was amazing however, that one moment of looking at your name inches in front of me made the whole trip worth it. I have spent many nights laying awake, listening to the song Some Gave All by Billy Ray Cyrus, and scrolling through comments on your memorial page, but I never had the courage to post one myself. When I was laying in bed last night and realized what today was, I finally gathered the courage and started typing this. I live every day to the fullest because of what you did for me, your beautiful family, and for everyone in the world. You created a great family and you would be proud of every single one of them. They are so supportive and I love them all so much. I thank you so much for what you did and I plan on getting a tattoo of an American flag on my left shoulder one day in remembrance of you and all the courageous people who fought for our country. When somebody asks me who my hero is, I always say you because I appreciate the sacrifice you made for us and I believe that you deserve to be honored in every way possible. I love you and will see you one day Grandfather, Kaylee Thank you to all the men and women who risked their lives for others. May God bless every single one of you and on this day, just know that people all across the country are thinking about you. I am so grateful to all of the Veterans and I appreciate everything you did to serve and protect this country!
Nov 11, 2013

Ruby Lea Spakes
ppuff40@yahoo.com
Wife
116 Sunny Springs Lane Kingston Tn 37763 USA
To My Wonderful Husband
Today is your birthday. I always wanted to grow old with you, but that just wasn't in Gods plan. Now that I'm an old lady, I have so many things to remember. We had so many wonderful times together.I will never forget the drive home from Panama Canal Zone. That was truly an adventure. I will never let you leave my heart. You are there forever! All of our children remembered today was you birthday. They are very good to me, as you would want them to be. You would be very proud! I love you!!
Oct 10, 2013

Patricia Spakes- Redmon
fluffy452003@yahoo.com
Sister/ niece
My Big Brother
Estel was such a good man and he loved his family dearly. I was a small child of 10 when he went away, but I remember him saying goodbye to me I was sitting in my red rocking chair and he hugged me and said good-bye I will never see you again and of course being the child I was I did not fully understand but a few months later I understood fully. I will never forget the sound of my moms screams as I entered the house after she had gotten the news of his death.... I love you and miss you dearly!!!!!!! We will all be together oneday
Nov 14, 2012

Michael Spakes
mspakes6800@comcast.net
Son
Remembering you on this Veteran's Day Dad. I am at a loss. I have no words of wisdom to say....only memories and gratitude. Thank You for the sacrifices you made for your family and home. Thank You for making it possible for me to feel the love in my heart I have for my children. I fully understand how much you loved your children.....enough to give your life for us. Thank You Dad for my life.....
Nov 11, 2012

Michael Spakes
Son
Happy Birthday Dad. I have been thinking about you all day. You would have been 76 years old today. I'm getting older now and feeling my age. Life has been hard for me at times. They say time heals all wounds but 'they' couldn't be more wrong. The pain I carry has not eased, even after all these years. I have regrets. One of the biggest is missing out on all the good times we could have shared. It was a terrible thing for a boy so young, and it scarred me for life. We had some good times though, didn't we... The memories I carry....... I remember fishing with you.....catching a lobster when we were stationed in Panama....getting to go to work with you....the family trip driving back to the States before you went to VietNam. I remember.....I remember.... These memories count among the best. I don't know how much longer I will have on this earth but as I grow older, I look at my children and I see you in them. I love them so....and I'm so proud of them. They are my life...my purpose. They will carry both of us into the future with them. We did good Dad. I love and miss you...... your son, Michael
Oct 10, 2012

Michael Spakes
mspakes6800@comcast.net
Son
The following, deeply appreciated comments, were taken from a recent email sent by a School Teacher of one of Estel Spakes' sons. She helped us through our darkest days and now, even after all these years, she has found our family again.... I know Dad would be very grateful for the support she and the teaching staff gave to his widow and young children at the time of his loss........
Mrs. Spakes, I didn't really know your husband. I only met him one time, and that was at Fairmont Elementary School. I was your son Buddy's second grade teacher. Your family came for an open house in the fall shortly before Estel went to Viet Nam. He seemed like a nice person and good father. I knew from the things that Buddy said about him that he was a good family man. I am so happy that he was saved before he went over there. That must have been some comfort to your family. I still remember, after all of these years, how your husband's death affected me and all of the other teachers, and the students in our class. I felt so bad for all of your family. So sad that you lost such a good man. It was hard for me to know how to deal with Buddy and with the other students in the class. The kids were young, but they were affected by the situation. Buddy seemed sad, but he also had his times of wanting to talk about his daddy. I just played it by ear. I had never been in a situation like that in a classroom. Everyone was extra nice to him and to your other children who were there at Fairmont. One thing that made it even worse for me, was that in our spelling lesson for that week was the word Daddy. It made me so upset to think that it would be there right at that particular time. I tried to stay calm and teach the lessons each day just as I always did. On the day that the students were supposed to write a sentence using that word, I wondered what Buddy would write. He wrote 'My daddy got killed'. That was all, and I thought he handled it so well. Better than I did. It was all I could do to keep from crying. The Lord's hand was on all of us during that time. He helped us through a very difficult time. I could not imagine what it was like for you. I did a lot of praying for you and your family. When I was visiting in Washington, D.C. several years later we went to the Viet Nam Wall. It was emotional for me. I had lost some friends in that war, and their names were on there. I thought about your husband, and I saw his name, too. I am glad that I got the chance to communicate with you. I don't think I will ever forget having Buddy in my class(he was a good kid) and that period of time in my teaching career. I hope that you and all of your family are doing well. Tell Buddy that his second grade teacher has not forgotten him. Take care and God Bless you. Martha Dalton
Jul 10, 2012

Ruby Spakes
ppuff40@yahoo.com
Wife
USAW
We miss you
You are so loved and so missed. Our children will never forget. We have so many wonderful grandchildren. They all have been taught about you. Yes, one day we will all be together in a glorious place that the Lord has prepared for us. No more parting, no more tears, no more trouble. Just peace forever with our Heavenly Father. When I met you, it was love at first sight and I still love you today. You will always be in my heart. Ruby Lea
Mar 12, 2010

Brittany Spakes
b.spanks3@comcast.net
graddaughter
Kingston TN
Oh how I wish this day 42 years ago would of never come...oh how my life would be so different if you were in it! I'm so sorry I didn't get to see you while you were here in your temporary home, but one day my dear grandpa, we will meet! I will toast to you today along with Granny, my father, and my aunt and uncles!! here's to you Grandpa Spakes! see you soon! thank you for the short 31 years you were here on earth! oh if you could only see the wonderful family you created!
Mar 12, 2010