Burrell, Spencer W.

Spencer W. Burrell, 80, died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City. He made his last flyover of Kinnick Stadium on his way to be with the Lord. Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, at Center Point United Methodist Church, Center Point, by the Rev. Mike Ellson and the Rev. Sheri Anderson. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at the church. Burial at Center Point Cemetery, Center Point. Military honors will be conducted. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Center Point.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Burrell of Center Point; children, Ryan (Lori) Burrell of Winthrop, and R. Shelly (Todd) Ramsey of Urbana; grandchildren, Nicole (Randy) Reck, Wade Burrell, Dylan Ramsey, Ty Ramsey and Jylian Ramsey; great-granddaughter, Piper Reck; siblings, Edward (Kathryn) Burrell of Lansdowne, Va., Richard (Judy) Burrell of Neenah, Wis., Elnora Ritze of Center Point, Iowa, and Lynnette Kisling of Glendale, Ariz.; many nieces and nephews; and a special daughter, Keiko of Japan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lola (Wheeler) Burrell; son, Robin Burrell in 1981; brother, David; and sisters, Eudora, Barbara, Naomi, and Wilhelmina.

Spencer was born on Nov. 20, 1932, in Urbana, Iowa, son of Thomas and Lola Burrell. He served in the United States Navy Reserves from 1951-1952, then also in the United States Army from 1952-1960, where he served in the Korean conflict. Spencer married Patricia Franck on Dec. 4, 1954, in Quasqueton, Iowa. Spencer was a machinist at Farmstead for 39 years where he was a member of Local P3. He also worked as a maintenance supervisor at Living Center East. He was one of the founders of the Blue and White Pottery Collectors Club. Spencer was a member of the H.A.W.K. Wrestling Klub, Center Point Urbana Boosters, and also a volunteer for the Center Point Fire and Ambulance Department. For over 35 years he operated the football clock for CPU, a volunteer effort he thoroughly enjoyed.

He attended Kirkwood Community College and received an AA degree in Turf Management. At Kirkwood he developed an interest to plant and then plant some more.

Spencer enjoyed the Hawkeyes, Dubuque Spartans, New York Yankees, Center Point Urbana sports, playing cards, golfing, and traveling. Spencer's family always came first; his grandchildren meant everything to him. He was a member of the Center Point United Methodist Church and the American Legion Dye Benion Post #297.

A memorial fund has been established in memory of Spencer.

Please sign the online guest book for Spencer at under obituaries.

Published Nov. 27, 2012 in The Gazette