Elton Eugene Spena

Elton Eugene Spena, 82, of Berryton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, March 6, 2023.

He was born April 7, 1940 at home in Goodland, Kansas, the son of LaVerne and Esta (Kysar) Spena. He graduated from Lecompton High School in 1958 and received a bachelor's degree in education from Emporia State University in 1962 and a master's degree in business administration from Pittsburg State University.

Elton began his teaching career in Vermillion in 1964, teaching industrial arts and serving as an assistant coach. He then taught at Valley Falls, the Manpower program in Topeka, and then worked as a curriculum coordinator at Manhattan Tech starting in 1970. He also developed a curriculum for the Big Red One at Fort Riley to serve veterans returning from Vietnam. He then moved to Scott City, Kansas where he farmed and raised livestock for two years. He moved to Topeka in 1975 and worked for the State Department of Education. He was curriculum coordinator for Kaw Area Technical School – 501, overseeing development for tech and industry, the Department of Corrections, and a site test coordinator for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) testing, retiring from his career in 2004.

Mr. Spena was a member of the Town and Country Christian Church of Topeka, holding elder and deacon positions. He had been the president and vice president of the Southwest Topeka Kiwanis. He was a member of the Barbershop Singers of Topeka for several years.

Elton married Virginia "Ginny" Spena on December 31, 1961 in Dodge City, Kansas. She survives, along with his children Shelly Spena of Topeka, Christine Spena of Topeka, and Susan Schaeffer (David) of Lawrence; grandchildren Nicholas Robinson, Tyson Robinson (Haven), Jordan Schaeffer, Makenzie Schaeffer, Lilly Schaeffer; great-grandchildren Collins Robinson, Witten Robinson, and Mavis Grace Robinson; sister Loene (Dale) Hamlin and brother Garold (Jan) Spena; and many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Mary Beth Cunningham and Darryl Spena.

Elton enjoyed welding, auto work, auto painting and restoration. He also enjoyed carpentry, woodworking, hunting, fishing and farming / gardening. He served extensively with his church's ministry, living a life devoted to helping others.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 9th at the Town and Country Christian Church, 4925 SW 29th Street in Topeka. Interment will follow at the Emmanuel Cemetery in Berryton. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8th at Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel at 3700 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to Town and Country Christian Church OWL's Program or the Washburn University Institute of Technology, 5724 SW Huntoon Street, Topeka, KS 66604.

Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.

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