Dwight E. Spence, 93, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at The Cedars in McPherson.
Dwight was born on September 13, 1930, in McPherson, KS, the son of Homer Richard and Maggie Mae (McClain) Spence. He was raised on a farm just north of McPherson and attended Centerview Country Grade School just north of McPherson through the 8th grade. He attended and graduated from McPherson High School and later graduated from McPherson College with a BS Degree in Business Administration. He graduated from Railroad Communications School in Kansas City and worked for the Rock Island Railroad Company for 17 years as a telegraph operator and station agent. He worked for Kit Manufacturing Co. for 26 years in several capacities, as cost accountant, controller, purchasing manager, and general manager. This employment was terminated shortly after the mobile home plant in McPherson was destroyed by a tornado in June 1992. After retirement, he worked about nine years as a delivery person for O’Dell’s Laundry.
He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953.
On February 10, 1952, Dwight was united in marriage to Winifred Lucile Jones in Canton, KS. She preceded him in death on August 7, 2003.
Dwight was an active member of the First Baptist Church of McPherson and a member of the Y.E.S. Sunday school class. He was a 50 year plus member of McPherson Odd Fellow Lodge No. 376 and served as Noble Grand of the lodge for several years. He was also a member of McPherson Elks Lodge, American Legion Post #24, and former member and past president of McPherson Light Capitol Kiwanis Club.
He had a close relationship with his family and friends and enjoyed watching his grandchildren perform in their activities.
Dwight is survived by his two sons: Steve Spence of McPherson, KS and Lee Spence of Hutchinson, KS; four grandchildren, April Spence of Chicago, IL, Abbigail (John) Peddieson of Henderson, NV, Dustin (Megan) Spence of Olathe, KS, and Alex Spence of Hutchinson, KS; three great-grandchildren, Olivia Peddieson, Eliza Spence, and Jameson Spence; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; granddaughter, Dixie Spence; daughters-in-law, Nadine Spence and Debbie Spence; brother, Richard Spence; and a sister, Audrey McNichols.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, April 19, at the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church or Community Care Hospice in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.