Doren A. Spillman

Doren A. Spillman passed from this life on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at the Sheridan County Long Term Care in Hoxie, Kansas at the age of 88. He was born on November 18, 1926 near Dresden, Kansas to Ray and Merna (Batchelder) Spillman. His family lived on a farm north of Hoxie and later moved into town, where Doren spent the remainder of his life. Doren was a veteran of World War II. He served in the Philippines. He liked to tell people that while he was on a ship headed to the Philippines, the war ended. He always said with a smile, “They heard I was coming so they ended the war.” After returning from overseas, he married Doris Jean Foster on February 15, 1947 in Oberlin, Kansas. They lived and raised their family in Hoxie. Doren worked at the Chevy garage and then drove a bread truck for Sunbeam and Holsum for 12 years. He also owned his own business, D & L Service for many years before selling it to his sons. Even after he officially retired, he could be found behind the counter, answering the phone and greeting customers. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Hoxie Elks Lodge and the American Legion for many years. While visiting area cemeteries with the Legion he decided Hoxie needed an Avenue of Flags at their cemetery like so many others he had seen. He worked very hard and enlisted lots of help to get it put together. He was very proud of it. Over the years, Doren had many hobbies. Woodcarving was his favorite. He carved everything from hillbillies to carousel horses to cigar store Indians. His favorite accomplishment was the mechanical wood carved farm that he made. He had seen one something like it as a child and always wanted to make one. He donated the piece to the Grassroots Art Museum in Lucas, Kansas so it could be enjoyed by many. Doren also enjoyed his remote controlled airplanes. On many weekends, he and his buddies could be found at the end of the runway flying their planes. He always liked tinkering with different things and was so proud when his propeller powered trike was featured in Mechanics Illustrated magazine. In addition, one of his proudest moments was receiving his High School diploma through Operation Recognition, on November 25, 2000. Survivors include his children, Nora Spillman and husband Lee Green of Custer, SD, Wesley Spillman and wife Charlene of Hoxie, Paula Rumback and husband Ron of Oakley, Jeffery Spillman and wife Kalena of Hoxie; sisters Lois Smith and husband Kenneth of Pleasant Hill, CA, and Wilma Yoke and husband Ken of Goodland; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Preceding him in death were his parents Ray and Merna Spillman, his wife Doris Spillman, and brothers Arlan and Lloyd Spillman. Doren lived every day of his life by the words of the Lord who said, “Lay up for yourself treasures in heaven.” He cared not for the temporary things of this world, but truly dedicated his life to loving people. He treated everyone with love and respect, always thanking them for their help, and letting them know they were truly loved and appreciated, most especially his family. His treasures in heaven will carry on his legacy here for generations to come. Reception: Hoxie United Methodist Church