Donald Lee Spalding 1932 – 2020

Donald Lee “Don” Spalding of Moriarty passed away May 3, at home with family. Born in Ilse, Colorado along with his twin brother David on Jan. 13, 1932, they were the youngest of 15 children. Don spent the early years of his life around Canon City and South Park, Colorado, working as a ranch hand. In 1950 he volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Pendelton in California, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. Upon discharge he returned to South Park. It was there that he met Sally Poyner. They were married in Raton, in November of 1952. He spent the majority of his life working in the construction trades, building everything from houses in Aspen to highways in Indonesia. His family was first and foremost to him. Don and Sally were married for 63 years before her passing in 2015. She always remained the love of his life. When the family moved to Moriarty in 1974, he continued in the construction business, working throughout the state on many projects. One that he always enjoyed talking about was Paako Golf Course. Don enjoyed working in his yard. He always had the best looking lawn and flowers in the area. Even just a few months before his passing he could be found working outside, raking up leaves and preparing for the spring. He continued to keep up the yard and the house before falling ill in March. Don was preceded in death by his wife Sally and the majority of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his son Ron, son Joe and wife Robin; grandchildren Robert, Jerry and wife Camille, Tim, Michael, and Elizabeth and husband Stephen Richardson; great-grandchildren Alex, Cassidy and wife Heather, Erin and Katie; his sister Faye of Canon City and special friends Ed and Katy Powers. The family will hold a private graveside service and then will host a celebration of Don's life later in the summer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Bethel Community Storehouse in Moriarty.