Ivan S. Spence

Ivan S. Spence

Ivan S. Spence, 90, of Wellsville passed away on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Logan Regional Hospital. He was born on October 22, 1922 to Alexander D and Lessie Squires Spence.

Ivan attended Cache County schools and graduated from South Cache High School in 1940. Following his graduation he enlisted in the US Army Air Corp along with five of his friends. He served his country for over 5 years stationed at military bases throughout the United States and in the South Pacific. Since his return he has been a member of the Wellsville American Veterans Association.

After his military service Ivan met Shirley Hughes at a dance in Mendon. They were married on February 14, 1947 in the Logan LDS Temple. They established their home in Wellsville where they have resided for over 65 years.

Following his military service Ivan secured a job as the Wellsville City Marshall and also as a Cache County Sheriff’s Deputy. He went on to attend classes at Utah State University and also the Salt Lake Area Vocational School of Barbering. In 1949 he graduated from Barber School and began his career at Bickmore Barber Shop on Main Street in Logan. By 1956 he was able to purchase the business from Mr. Bickmore and established Spence Barber Shop. He became a member of the Cache Valley Barbers Association and has served as vice-president and president of the association. Following his retirement in 1989 Ivan set up a barber shop in his home and continued to barber a few close friends and family members until the age of 88. One of the joys of his career has been visiting with and meeting people from all walks of life. He has always enjoyed being around people and was a friend to all.

Ivan has given many years of service in church and civic responsibilities. He was a high priest in the Wellsville 8th Ward. His service to the LDS church has included callings in the ward and stake genealogical committee, as Sunday School Superintendent, bishop, high councilor, member of the stake presidency, and Wellsville Stake Patriarch. Since being called as a patriarch in 1982 he has given many blessings. Included are those given to each of his 16 grandchildren. From 1990-1992 he and his wife Shirley served in the California Fresno Mission working with the Hmong from Southeast Asia.
Over the years Ivan has enjoyed growing a large garden and sharing the produce. He has also enjoyed hunting, traveling, flying and visiting with friends and family.

Ivan is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children Mel and Kathy Anderson; Mike and Jalean Kirby John and Jerilee Spence; and Gary and Corette Spence; 15 grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister in law, Wilma H. Spence, Garland. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Christena S. Anderson; brothers, Clifford, Mark and Deloyd Spence and a grandson, Justin Kirby.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at noon in the Wellsville Stake Center, 30 South Center Street. A viewing for friends and family will be held Tuesday November 6, 2012 at Allen Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street in Logan from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A viewing will also be held from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. Wednesday prior to the services. Interment and military rites will be at the Wellsville City Cemetery.