David " Ben" Ruthven Spicer
David " Ben" Spicer Obituary
David Ruthven Spicer, nicknamed "Ben" by his family, was born January 26, 1930. He passed peacefully on August 25, 2019 in Jupiter, Florida, in the presence of his devoted daughter, Nina and her husband. He and his former wife Nancy Louise (Starner) Spicer were the proud parents to David Michael (Michaela) Spicer, Susan (Ed) Wallenborn, Brian (Diana) Spicer, and Nina (Brian) Bowden. He was the 4th of 7 children born to Frank and Marguerite Spicer of Shawnee, Ohio. Preceded in death by his siblings, Catherine Daugherty, Frank (Pete) Spicer, John Spicer, and William (Bill) Spicer; sister-in-law Lynn Spicer; brother-in-law Daniel Daugherty; and nephew Tim Spicer. He is survived by his brothers, Charles (Rosy) Spicer and Ellis Spicer.
A proud Veteran of the US Army, Corporal Spicer served from 3/21/51-2/19/57 and was stationed in Dachau, Germany during the Korean War, returning to Perry County after his active duty. Dave worked as a Tool & Die maker retiring from Western Electric, and was a life long member of the United Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local No. 2020. Always good with his hands, he built river cottages, gazebos, Adirondack chairs, garden bridges, wishing wells, train sets, doll furniture, and just about anything else he could conceive to make with scrap lumber. Over the years, he took pride in his gardens, especially his tomatoes, which he sold for the outrageous sum of 10 pounds for $1!
Growing up in the depression left a life-long impact on his sense of responsibility, the expectation to do things for yourself, and the role of education in bettering your life. These life lessons he imparted on his children throughout their childhoods and adult lives. We are forever grateful to have learned so much from him.
In addition to his children and siblings, his step-daughters Teri and Tami, his grandchildren, and great-children will miss him deeply. We are eternally grateful for the support over the years from the extended Spicer family, his sisters in law Shirley and Chastine, Mike Arter & family, and his friend Larry who all stepped in to carry the load as Ben’s health waned. We want to especially thank his care-givers, Peggy & Marilyn, as well as the staff at Courtyard Gardens for taking such great care of him.
Arrangements are being handled by the J.E. Humphrey Funeral Home, 118 W. Walnut Street, Shawnee, Ohio. Visitation at the funeral home will be held Friday, September 6, 2019 from 6PM to 9PM. A Catholic Mass at St. Bernard in Corning will be conducted on Saturday, September 7, at 10 AM with burial to immediately follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in New Straitsville. Flowers are welcome, or a contribution to Perry County Alzheimer’s Association in his name would also be appropriate.
Ben would close this obituary as follows: Lord Luv A Duck !!!!
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