Darryl Dean Spena, 86, passed away Saturday, February 17, in Belton, Missouri. Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at the South Haven Baptist Church in Belton, Missouri with burial in Peculiar Cemetery, Peculiar, MO.  Contributions may be made to the church.

Darryl was born in Quinter, Kansas on January 30, 1932 to Lavern G. (Bus) Spena and Esta F. (Kysar) Spena. After graduating from Goodland High School in 1949, he attended both Kansas State University and the University of Kansas briefly before accepting a job at Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant.  It was there that he met his first wife, Barbra E. Martens, whom he married on August 3, 1952.

They started their family while living in Baldwin and Lawrence, Kansas, where four children were born, and then moved to Kansas City, Missouri where two children were born. He joined Bendix Corporation in 1956 where he worked until 1973 when he left to purchase Peculiar Hardware and Lumber, which he operated until 1996.  His final job was with a firm that collected data for the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.  He retired in 2008 at the age of 76.

Darryl's faith in Jesus Christ was his overall motivation in life, affecting his entire person. His faith led him in a selfless decision of leaving his Bendix position to have a job near his wife, Barbra, who had developed Multiple Sclerosis and needed his care.  His faith and godly example led to a strong faith in all six of his children, of which three graduated from seminary and two are currently ministers of music.  His faith was lived out through his business dealings, his relationships with others and his leadership in his church.  Darryl was always ready to give of his time, his resources and his love to meet others ' needs.

In 1983, Barbra passed away, and in 1987 Darryl married Merita F. (Frankie) Heck. They both enjoyed their large blended family, traveling often for visits, and frequently opening their home to help others in their time of need.

Darryl suffered much in his final days due to poor blood circulation and diabetes, but never lost his love of others, his love of music, his sense of humor and his love for God. He will ever be in our hearts and minds.

Darryl is preceded in death by his father, Lavern G. (Bus) Spena and mother, Esta F. (Kysar) Spena; his first wife, Barbra, and his sister, Mary Beth (Spena) Cunningham. He is survived by his current wife, Merita; his sister, Loene Zoe (Spena) and husband Dale Hamlin; brother-in-law, Glen Cunningham; brothers Elton E. and wife Ginny Spena, and Garold L. and wife Jan Spena; his children, Sharon A. (Spena) Steen, Michael D. and wife Kathrine Spena, Marten L. and wife Ronda Spena, Paul M. (Monty) and wife Jenny Spena, Mark S. and wife Beth Spena, Leesa M. (Spena) and husband Rob Jackson, Keith R. and wife JoAnn Heck, Karen L. (Heck) and husband William (Ed) Harms, and Bruce E. and wife Angela Heck.  Additionally, he is survived by 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.