Dr. Lester Samuel Bivens of Harvest, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly at age 79 on April 11, 2026.
Les was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 12, 1946. He was a proud member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity while attending the University of Kentucky, where he received a bachelor’s degree in education in 1968. He also held a master’s degree from Butler University and a doctorate in education from Indiana University. During his career in education, he served as a teacher, coach, and principal in schools spanning Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, and Indiana, where he retired as a superintendent.
Les was a devout member of Asbury Church and regularly volunteered with their Prison Ministry, as well as the Downtown Rescue Mission. He never met a sport he didn’t like. An avid runner for much of his life, he completed several races, including the Chicago marathon. He loved singing along, loudly, to any Elvis song, and took inexplicable joy in randomly calling family members by their middle names and/or random nicknames he made up himself. His greatest accomplishment was his family.
Les was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Louise Yancy Ezell; stepfather, Allen Ray Ezell; sister, Gail Carrico; and beloved wife, Jan.
He is survived by his sister, Jane Marcus; four children: Michael Bivens (Kim), Jay Bivens (Joyce), Jeff Bivens, and Katie Bivens (Jason); his grandchildren, Claire and Jonathan Bivens; Bailey, JR, and Jessica Bivens, and Jaclyn Elmer; Logan and Bryce Bivens; his nephews, Gustin and Jesse Marcus; and his dear friend, Susie Talbert.
A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date.
