Will “Grampy” Spies’s Memorial Website
On the morning of Sunday, December 5, 2021, Will Spies passed away of natural causes at the age of 87, peacefully and surrounded by his wife of 38 years, Opal Spies, and his loving family.
Will was born on April 19, 1934 in Hayes, Kansas, to Jacob and Anna Cecilia Spies. He was a brother to eight siblings. On November 14, 1956, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he worked as a medic for two years, and earned his honorable discharge on November 24, 1958. He attended many schools while working at the post office. He was employed by the United States Postal Service for 40 years, retiring as a Postmaster.
On December 22, 1983, he married Opal Evangalena Stout. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Anna Cecilia Spies; his sister Eleanora Ruby; and his brothers, John Spies, Clarence Spies and Jim Spies. In addition to Opal, he leaves behind his sisters, Mary Sheehan and Mildred Spies; his brothers, Robert Spies (Marilyn Spies) and Jerald Spies (Barbara Spies); his sisters-in-law, Bess Trevino and Lillian Miller; his daughter Constance (Connie) Spies; sons Joseph and Daniel Spies; step-sons Jesse (Randy) Jones and Jeffrey Jones; granddaughters Kezia Bohanon (Frank Bohanon Jr.) and Rhiannon Spies; grandsons Steven Spies (Christina Spies), Jeffery Paul Jones, and Jesse Jones (Cassie Jones); great-granddaughters Jessica Spies, Caitlynn Bohanon, and Julia Bohanon; and great-grandsons Jacob Bohanon, Sidney Jones, Cole Bohanon, and Braeden Spies.
Grampy has always loved spending time with family, feeding the deer, defending the local hummingbirds, working outside in the garage, watching his westerns, and using every medicine bottle as a container for various household items. He was an avid learner who loved to teach math tricks and play puzzle games. Grampy enjoyed playing chess and holding coin flipping competitions with the grandkids.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Will’s life on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at the Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a funeral service following at 5:00 p.m. A committal service with military honors will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday at Leavenworth National Cemetery.
We loved him and he will never be forgotten. He helped us all in so many different ways and he always had a smile on his face.
I did not know him long but he had a profound influence on the way I think about things. I remember some of those math tricks. Such a wonderful man who will be missed greatly.
Opal, I am so sorry for your loss. My.. love to you and your family. He was always such a nice person. Prayers to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of all his family and friends that will miss him so dearly.
I remember him filling buckets of corn to feed the deer so my kids could watch them eat! He was always good sport about taking Bess n Opal out to Olive Garden or Corner Cafe! Always so pleasant with impish warm smile!
I knew Will from the main post office. He was always so much fun and tried to keep me out of trouble. Rest easy old friend. Opal, I’m sorry I ment got the chance to know you. You have my most deepest sympathies.
Will always had that ornery twinkle in his eyes. He had a kind spirit and always had a smile. .. I am sorry for your loss. I know he will be so missed.
Grandfathers are such special humans. I’m glad you all were so close and have many fond memories. Thinking of you!
My prayer is GOD will hold you and comfort you in this time of loss and guide you and keep you in the days to come.
Thank you Will for taking great care of our men and women as a medic in the United States Army. Because of your service to our country; we can all live our lives in freedom and also thank you for giving our troops the medical care they needed so they were able to come home to their family and loves ones.
You rest now in heaven with God and the Angels and with all the other Veterans who are in heaven with you.
LINDA PETERSON
WIFE OF A (DECEASED) UNITED STATES ARMY VETERAN
I will always remember going to see Uncle Willie when I was younger. He was such a nut . He was always teasing and tickling me to get me to laugh. We loved coming to ride the horses and playing marbles with ball bearings that he’d collected from spray paint cans. I only wish that I had continued a relationship through out the years. My heart aches for you Opal and your family.
Thinking of you and your family. May you find peace in your heart.
I knew Will through his lovely wife Opel & Jeffery, He was always so kind & helpful to everyone he meant. He will be greatly missed by all. I’m so sorry for your loss Opal & Jeffery & your family’s.Sending much love & hugs.
My deepest sympathy….
I worked at the post office during Willie’s career in Maintenacr. He also worked with my father, Denzel Varner. He was well respected, and well-liked by everyone he came in contact with. I remember as one of the great ones and delighted to see that he received that well deserved position as Postmaster. Rest in Peace Willue, but I know you and my Dad are up there in Heaven as God’s number one handymen! God bless you Willie.
Will and I worked together for many years and I just discovered his passing. What a great mind he had for facts and figures. Always on duty, always doing the right thing and then thoroughly enjoying his retirement. I still have all the group photos of he and other maintenance supervisors. In his final work years, he did contracting for us in an effort to complete needed projects and make sure they were done correctly and at best value. Will was a mentor, advisor, friend and confidant. We were always able to laugh as we discussed a situation, seeing the humor in nearly everything. It is so sad to lose touch and then find out such a great guy has left us. Condolences to the family, especially Opal, who I met several times and finally at Will’s retirement dinner. Will was crazy about you.