Wesley “Wes” R. Spillman passed away Saturday, December 3, 2016 at his home in Rural Sheridan County at the age of 66. He was born May 12, 1950 in Quinter, Kansas to the late Doren A. and Doris J. (Foster) Spillman. He was raised in Hoxie, Kansas and graduated from Sheridan Community High School with the Class of 1968. He proudly served his country in the United States Army including a tour in Vietnam from 1970-71.
On July 16, 1983 Wes was united in marriage to Charlene Raile in Hoxie. He worked for D&L Service Station as a mechanic and loved the challenge of getting small engines running. He later became co-owner of the station and continued working as the head mechanic. In his younger days, he liked to water ski, ride his Harley, take road trips with his cousins, and go for drives on country roads.
Wes was an excellent artist with a talent for sketching, drawing, and painting; especially pictures of Native Americans, the American Flag, and eagles. His “man cave-shed” was full of memories with a story for every item in it. Whether listening to old 50’s music, watching a little NASCAR or loving going pheasant hunting on opening day, his favorite time was spent enjoying the company of family and friends, and just laughing and talking for hours on end. Above all, he was a family man. He loved his wife and always looked forward to visits from their son, Travis, and family in Arizona. To extended family, he was the favorite uncle, cousin, nephew, brother-in-law, and son-in-law.
Wes is survived by his wife Charlene of the home; son Travis Spillman and wife Malaina of Pinetop, AZ; brother Jeffery Spillman and wife Kalena of Hoxie; sisters Nora Mae Spillman and husband Lee of Custer, SD, and Paula Rumback and husband Ron of Oakley; grandchildren Katey Spillman and Josiah Spillman; and many relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Doren and Doris Spillman, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, December 9, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Hoxie. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 7:30 pm on Thursday at the funeral home, with family receiving friends from 5:30-7:00. Memorials are suggested to Grinnell VFW Post #2864, Grainfield American Legion, or Sheridan County Health Complex and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, P.O. Box 987, Hoxie, KS 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com
Wes was a “straight shooter” and a true patriot at heart. He honored and respected the flag and everything it stood for, even volunteering, along with his brother and friends, to raise the flags in the cemetery every Memorial Day. He will always be remembered as a kind, caring, generous, fun-loving, gentle “prince” of a guy. He will be missed and forever loved.