Ronald Spurlock

Ronald Kellum Spurlock, 86, of Topeka, KS formerly of Laddonia, MO and Oakland, CA, died Thursday, January 3, 2013, at the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka. He was born August 5, 1926 at Hale, MO, the son of Fate and Ethelyn Springer Spurlock.

Ronald served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He achieved the rank of Corporal and was a member of the tank corps while in Germany.

As a teen, Ronald was a Western Union messenger in St. Louis, MO. After WWII, he and his family moved to California where he worked at Marchants. This is where he met his future bride, Gloria. Ronald completed business school and began working for Wells Fargo Bank. In 1966, the family moved to Laddonia, MO where Ronald worked as a carpenter. While living in Laddonia, he took on many roles for the city including Chief of Police, dog catcher and Water Treatment/Street/Sewage superintendent. After retiring, he and Gloria moved to Topeka and managed the First Christian Apartments for several years. Before retiring a second time on his 80th birthday, Ronald worked for Westlake Ace Hardware.

Ronald married Gloria DiGirolamo on February 18, 1950 in Richmond, CA. She survives. He is also survived by his children, Robin Gasser (George) of Farmington, MO, Fate Spurlock (Kathy) of Topeka, Jeane Kist (Dave) of Peoria, IL; grandchildren, Courtney Gasser, Baltimore, MD, Breanna Sabbatini, Birmingham, AL, George Gasser, IV, Cape Girardeau, MO, Kellee Spurlock, Olathe, KS, Brett Spurlock, Lawrence, KS, and Emily Spurlock, Topeka, KS. Ronald is also survived by one great-grandchild, Joey Sabbatini. Surviving siblings are Betty Parker, El Sobrante, CA, Donald Spurlock, Pinole, CA and Stanley Spurlock, Seaside, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister.

The family wishes to express a special "Thank You" to the staff of Bldg. 6 of the Topeka VA Medical Center for the exceptional and compassionate care he received.

A Celebration of Ronald's Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 29th at Dove Cremation & Funeral Service. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service.