Kenneth Roger Spackman passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 18, surrounded by his family at his home in Robertson. He was 80 years old. Roger was born Feb. 22, 1938, to Kenneth Washington Spackman and Nellie Vilate Tingey Spackman in Brigham City, Utah. He was the third child of four children, with one brother and two sisters.
He was raised on the family farm in Honeyville, Utah. He and his brother Jack farmed with their dad with teams of work horses. Roger was driving a hay rack at the age of 11 with a team. He loved his work and saddle horses.
He went to Honeyville Elementary School and graduated from Box Elder High School in 1956. He was active in FFA and Boys Glee Club. He was taught the value of hard work, character and honesty at an early age, as his parents had experienced the Great Depression.
After graduation from high school at the age of 18 he started to drive livestock trucks. From 1958-1960 he served an LDS Mission to the Southern States Mission, serving in the areas in Florida, South Carolina and Alabama.
After returning home from his mission he married his sweetheart, Bonnie Dee Orme, on Oct. 6, 1960, in the Logan LDS Temple. Early in their marriage they lived in Honeyville where Roger worked the family farm and drove livestock trucks.
In 1967 they moved to Robertson, where he worked for Dave and Delbert James. He later assumed ownership of the James ranch where he taught his children the value of hard work, service and many valuable life lessons. He was a great teacher and taught by example.
Service in the community was important to Roger. He enjoyed working with the youth as a 4-H leader, as a member of the Uinta County Livestock Sale Board serving as chair for several years, and in various church callings. He served as a board member of the Bridger Valley Water Conservancy District and was a member of the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association, Uinta County Farm Bureau, and the National Rifle Association. He served as Bishop of the Mountain View 2nd Ward and as a member of the High Council of the LDS Lyman Stake Center.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Toni (Quinn) Martin, Robertson; Tami Spackman, Honeyville, Utah; Chad (Stephanie) Spackman, Robertson; grandchildren, Dylan Martin, Blace Martin, Shaylynn Martin, Spenser (Jesi Mae) Anson, Weston Spackman, McCoy Spackman and Kolter Spackman; brother, Jack (Carol) Spackman; and sister, Barbara (Lanny) Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jeanene Nessen; and a son, Scott.
There was a viewing from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, at the Mountain View LDS Church (116 West 4th Street, Mountain View). Services were at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 23, at the church, with a viewing prior to the service at 9-10:30 a.m.
Interment will be at the Fort Bridger Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the Cowboys Care team, especially Jessica, Amber, Lynn and Brooke, for their compassionate care and services and neighbor Jenese Henry for comfort care.
Condolences may be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
