Don Spaw
April 13, 2023
Don Richard Spaw, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
Don was born January 13, 1937, in Louisville, Kentucky to Don and Veda (Young) Spaw.
He worked as a truck driver for his entire career, and in retirement was a bus driver for the Johnston School District. He enjoyed fishing, his dog Ariel, and was a New York Yankees fan.
Don is survived by his children: Stephen Spaw, Mark Spaw, Dawn Marie (Jim) Smith, Denise (Scot) Wicker, and Susan (Jeff) Winn; daughter-in-law, Peggy Spaw; 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Arlene, son Joseph Spaw, great-grandson Mason Nemmers, parents Don and Veda Spaw, and his siblings: Nona Murray, Michael Spaw, and Cindy Buccholz.
A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a short prayer service at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Private interment will take place at Glendale Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Holy Family Catholic School Foundation, 1265 East 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316 or to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, 5452 NE 22nd St., Des Moines, IA 50313
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Lisa Burgett Gift
05/08/2024
I'm so very sorry! With deepest sympathies. So hard to lose your daddy. Dad was 86, too.💔
Sending much love, big hugs, and heartfelt prayers! God Bless you all, always! May you be forever blessed!
Diane McGee
04/18/2023
I have so many fond memories of when we were kids and all gathered at grandma's. I always looked forward to when we all got together. He was great cousin. My sympathies and prayers go out to the family. He will be missed. I always looked forward to his phone calls. He always made me laugh.
Springer Professional Home Services
04/17/2023
To the Spaw family: We are all saddened by the loss of Mr. Spaw. As always, Steve, if there is anything you or your family needs do not hesitate to ask us.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you always.
EHS Class of 1956
04/17/2023
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of your father and grandfather. Don and Arlene were faithful participants in class functions since high school days.
Mr. and Mrs. James Feeley and Family:
04/16/2023
To the Spaw Family, and especially to my dear friend Steve:
With our deepth condolences and sympathy, we are sorry for the loss of Mr. Spaw.
I can remember your folks and the enite famiy all attending the 11:00 AM mass at Visitation Church. My family was always near all of you guys.
We will remember Mr. Spaw in our daily rosary and prayers.
Sincerely in Christ,
Mr. and Mrs. James Feeley Family.
1 Corinthians 15:42-44
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
The Steele Crew
04/16/2023
So sorry for your loss of Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa and Brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending love and hugs-
The Steele Crew
Marcella Betts
04/15/2023
To the family of Don Spaw. I was a member of visitation Catholic church when your parents were there. I always enjoy seeing them at the dinners the church served every year. Enjoyed visiting with them. Now they are both in God's Loving hands forever. Eternal rest grant upon him o Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them both
Kim Buchholz, Portland
04/15/2023
So sorry to hear about Don, he was a good man. When Nona passed away, he and Cindy developed a special relationship that only grew as the years passed by, and she was proud to let everyone know she had a 'big brother' in Des Moines. I was fortunate to know Don for many years and often found myself in tears shaking my head and laughing about stupid stuff (like when he answered the phone.) He was honest, for real, and direct with everyone he encountered, and it was a privilege to consider him a friend. My thoughts go out to Steve, Mark, Dawn Marie, Denise and Susan - and all the other family members and friends. He will certainly be missed.
Clay Guthmiller
04/15/2023
Don was a wonderful man. He was such a witty and caring person, always positive, regardless of the situation. It was an honor to know and work with Don in Johnston. Love you Don.