Donald Spence

Donald Edward Spence 60 of Delbarton, West Virginia passed away Wednesday, April 19th at 11:15AM. He passed away with his wife, Traci (Branham) Spence by his side at ARH Hospital. Don was born on December 11th, 1962, in Cleveland, Ohio to his beloved late parents Donald Wade Spence and Patricia Ann (Marcum). Spence In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Byron Dave Spence. Don Spence graduated from Burch High School in 1980 and was at the top of his class amongst many of his other friends. After graduating high school, he furthered his educational career, pursing a Bachelor’s Degree in Mining and Mineral Engineering at West Virginia Institute of Technology, then graduating in 1984. Upon graduating, Don realized he had a love for education and a passion for teaching. He obtained his first job within the Gilbert Area as a science teacher. While working in the schools, he would then further his own education and gain a teaching degree from Marshall University. In 1985, Don became a teacher at Lenore Middle School, then moving up to assistant principal and from there, principal. At LMS, Don would contribute to the football, basketball, baseball, and little league teams as a coach for all men’s and women’s sports. From here, he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration in 2000. After his journey at Lenore, Don moved onto being principal at Dingess Elementary School. While at Dingess, the school was recognized as being a West Virginia School of Excellence and he was always working with his community. This includes, but isn’t limited to, volunteering with 4-H and working with Energy Express. Alongside his passion for education, Don had a passion for coaching. One of his most memorable moments was when he was the assistant coach for Tug Valley High School basketball. In 1999, the Panthers went to the state championship and defeated Bluefield with the score of 65-61, earning them their first-ever “State Champion” title. Later, Don continued coaching and assisting numerous sports teams along with attending a multitude of games within the county. This included softball, baseball, football, and basketball. Seeing the students thrive within these games and spending time with his friends wasn’t the only way he showed his love for Mingo County. Aside from teaching and coaching, Don continued to progress throughout his career. In July of 2016 he was selected to become the interim superintendent of Mingo County Schools. In December of 2017, Don was then contracted as the superintendent in Mingo County, later retiring in 2021. Additionally, he was an active member of the Tug Valley ARH Local Advisory Council for several years, a member of the West Virginia Association of the School Administrators, and one of the many founding superintendents of the Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative. Post-retirement, Don was finally able to achieve his most valuable goal in life which was dedicating his time to his family. Don’s work-life and achievements was always surrounded and supported by them. He loved to fish, host the Christmas Eve celebrations, give life lessons, and plenty more just for “his girls”. Don will forever be missed by his ever-loving wife, Traci Spence and his daughters Courtney Southers, Patricia Spence, and Abigail Spence. He will also be remembered and missed by his two precious granddaughters Laurel and Lorelai Maynard. Others who will cherish his memory is his mother and father-in-law, Charles and Donna Branham, Sisters in law Julie Branham, Kelli Branham, and Nikki Branham, Son in law Zack Maynard, Nephew David Allen Spence, and his entire Spence family. Don will forever be remembered by his work family, his coaching family, and the community of Mingo County. Funeral services will be held at Little Dove United Baptist Church with visitation on April 23rd, Sunday evening starting at 4:00PM to 10:00PM with Chris Ooten and others officiating. The funeral services and burial will take place the next day, Monday, April 24th starting at 1:00PM. Friends and family will be honored as pallbearers, as Don will be laid to rest along with his mother, father, and brother behind his home.

Donald Spence

December 11, 1962 - April 19, 2023

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Donald Spence

December 11, 1962 - April 19, 2023

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

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Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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