William D. Spahr, February 27, 1948 - December 06, 2018, XACC Torrence Award Winner 2016
William's Obituary
William David Spahr , age 70, of Xenia, Ohio passed away Thursday December 6, 2018 at Miami Valley South. Bill was born February 27, 1948 in Xenia, the son of Gladys Caroline (Steuble) and Albert William Spahr.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 48 years whom he married June 20, 1970: Jerra Jeanne (Wilson) Spahr; daughters: Tamara (Matt) Bartley and Robin (Tim) Gregory, all of Xenia; a brother: Robert (Lana) Spahr of Hillsboro; grandchildren: Sabrina (Mark) Brumley; Madeline Gregory; Peyton and Paxton Bartley; Eliza and Audrey Gregory; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Bill graduated from Xenia High School, Central State University and received his Masters Degree from the University of Dayton.
A retired industrial arts teacher with Fairborn City Schools for more than 40 years, Spahr was elected to the Xenia Community Schools Board of Education seven times, serving 27 years. He was also a member of the career center school board for nearly 30 years.
In addition to serving the aforementioned boards of education, Mr. Spahr was a member of the Xenia Economic Growth Corporation, a member of the Ohio School Boards Association Executive Committee, as well as the Ohio School Boards Association Cabinet, the Ohio Region 10 Educational Service Center Committee, and the High Schools that Work Board of Directors.
Last month Mr. Spahr was recognized at a state-wide conference for school leaders for his tenure with the Xenia Community Schools Board of Education. He was also the past recipient of the Ohio School Board Associations’ prestigious Award of Achievement. In recognition of receiving an Honorary American FFA Degree, Nov. 19, 2014 was deemed “William Spahr Day” by the City of Xenia for his efforts to constantly advocate for agricultural education. He continuously supported agriculture business and agriculture science classes.
Most importantly, Bill loved his family and his grandchildren and loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was an avid camper and spent many years country line dancing with his wife.
Bill was an advocate for promoting higher education. He fought for his belief that all students should be entitled to equal access to the educational opportunities that best served them, whether that be access to college preparatory courses, career-preparation courses, or agricultural studies. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Greene County Community Foundation, William D. Spahr Memorial College Scholarship Fund, 941 W. Second St., Xenia or online at www.greenegiving.org.
A service to celebrate Bill's life will be held 10:30 AM Friday, December 14, 2018 at the Xenia Nazarene Church, 1204 W. Second St., Xenia. He will be buried at Woodland Cemetery in Xenia. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Thursday at the church. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mccolaughfuneralhome.com. McColaugh Funeral Home Inc. 826 Detroit St., Xenia is in charge of arrangements.
