Wetzel T. Spence

Wetzel L. Spence, son of Willie T. Spence & Mary Elizabeth (Daniels) Spence, was born March 4, 1941 in Huntington, West Virginia. He departed this life Thursday evening, December 2, 2004, at 9:00 PM at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion, Illinois. At the time of his passing, Wetzel had attained the age of 63 years 8 months & 28 days.

Wetzel was united in marriage to Nellie L. (Dixon) on June 15, 1963 at the Church of God in Wilmington, California. She survives.

Other survivors include: a Daughter – Shirley L. & Jackson Budd of Upland, CA; 3 Sons – David L. Spence of Tennessee, Tinza E. & Ramona Spence of Indianapolis, IN, & Dannie R. Spence of Simpson, IL; 8 Grandchildren – Valerie K. Spence, Mary E. Spence, Tinza E. Spence, Jr., Melanie C. Spence, Jason Budd, Johnathon Budd, Nellie Spence, & Shirley D. Spence; 2 Brothers – Jerry Spence of Huntington, WV & Ralph Spence of Knoxville, TN; several Nieces & Nephews.

In addition to his Parents, Wetzel was preceded in death by a Sister – Florence Cates; and 3 Brothers – Willie T. Spence, Larry Spence, & Tinza Spence.

Wetzel was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He was employed by Consolidated Freight as a Truck Driver, until his retirement in 1999. Wetzel was a 36 year member of the Teamsters Union, Local # 63 in Alhambra, California.

Wetzel was an avid outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed hunting & fishing. Wetzel was an accomplished guitarist. He enjoyed playing Country Western & Bluegrass music.

Wetzel was a dedicated & devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother & Friend.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon, December 7, 2004, at 1 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, IL. Interment will be in the Gilead Cemetery, near Simpson, IL. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 of Vienna, IL. 

Friends may call after 5 PM Monday, December 6, 2004, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice