David E. Spacek

David Eugene Spacek died April 2, 2011, due to sudden cardiac arrest. He was born in Topeka on January 21, 1952, to Philip J. Spacek, Jr. and Anna Mae Clay Spacek. He attended schools in Mayetta, and graduated from Mayetta High School in 1970. He attended Highland Junior College and Kansas State University, graduating from the School of Engineering in 1975.

After graduation, his first employment was in Borger, TX at a gas company. This was followed by two years in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica, 1977-1979. Upon returning to the U.S., he started employment as a plant engineer with KPL, now Westar Energy. His 32 years of service included work at the power plants in Tecumseh, Lawrence, and Jeffrey Energy Center.

Through the years, involvement in Boy Scouts was important to David. He became an Eagle Scout in 1967 at Hoyt. At Camp Jayhawk, he worked as waterfront instructor. While his sons were Cub Scouts at Shawnee Heights Elementary School, he served as Cub Master for eight years. He serves as an adult leader at Troop 18, where both of his sons became Eagle Scouts.

He was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. On April 3, 1982, he married Martha Gillett. They were blessed with two sons, Scott and Paul. Survivors include his wife Martha, son Scott and his wife, Melissa, son Paul, mother Anna Mae Spacek, all of Topeka; sister Patti Bailey, and her husband, Frank Caso, San Diego, CA, nephew Adam Bailey, Tempe, AZ, niece Liz Bailey, Laguna Hill, CA, and many others who are better for having known him.

David was an active member of First United Methodist Church. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 15, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Kansas Children's Discovery Center, 4400 S.W. 10th St. Topeka, KS 66604, or First United Methodist Church, 600 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66603.