Donald M. Spencer

Donald Max Spencer, 84, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on January 3, 2014. Don was born July 21, 1929 in Belle Plaine, Kansas. Preceding him in death were his parents, Lester and Jeanne Spencer; brothers, Wesley & Dean Spencer; sisters, Joy Sturm and Kay Sprout. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mardell; daughters Kris Stehlik of Wichita, Kathy Marshall and husband Darrell of Braman, OK, and Brent Spencer and his wife Sherie of Hesston, KS; grandchildren, Aaron Noll of Wichita, Kyle Spencer and fiancée Dasha Cuznetova of Lawrence, Riley and Kelcie Spencer of Lawrence, Shelby Spencer of Hesston, Karly Marshall and Andy Marshall both of Braman, OK; great-grandson, Mason Noll of Wichita and numerous nieces and nephews. After graduating from Belle Plaine High School in 1947, he worked for the railroad before enlisting in the United States Navy. In New London, CT, he completed submarine school and was assigned to two different submarines. When Don returned home, he worked for his dad at Spencer Repair Shop in Belle Plaine until going to work for Trailways in Wichita. In 1982, he began working for Belle Plaine schools as a maintenance man. At the age of 63, Don retired to spend his time with family, following his grandkids in their activities and working in his garage creating original things to give away. The family will greet friends from 6-8pm Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at Belle Plaine United Methodist Church, 124 E. 10th, Belle Plaine. Memorial services will be held at 11am Wednesday, January 8, 2014, also at the church. The family requests contributions to Belle Plaine United Methodist Church in memory of Donald.