David Allen Spiker, age 69, of Wamego, Kansas died Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan. He was a long-time resident of the Wamego community.
He was born in Atchison, Kansas, the son of Ivan Robert and Ruth Anne (Shear) Spiker. David grew up in Holton and attended Holton High School.
He was united in marriage to Denise DePaemelaere on May 18, 2002, in Wamego, Kansas. Together they shared four children, Tabitha, Nick, Michael, and Katherine.
David served his country in the Army for 3 years with additional military service in the Army National Guard for 19 years. He followed his selfless acts to the service of others in careers as an EMT, Deputy Sheriff, and volunteer positions for his community. He volunteered for more than a decade as assistant fire chief and five years as fire chief for District 7. Additionally, he joined his military comrades as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion organizations. His caring and compassionate nature was demonstrated through his time and compassion for helping others. He was also a skilled mechanic and worked on tanks at Fort Riley’s military base.
He enjoyed cooking, especially smoking ribs, grilling hamburgers, and trying new recipes. He loved to travel with his wife Denise to small towns to explore historical landmarks, museums and was a history buff for the Vietnam War.
David is survived by his wife, Denise Spiker, Wamego, KS; Daughter, Tabitha (Frank) LeSage, St. Mary’s, KS; Son, Nick (Valerie) Spiker, Wamego, KS; Blended children, Michael Van Leeuwen (Brittney) Spokane, WA; Katherine, or Gracie as only Dave called her, Van Leeuwen, Manhattan, KS; Sisters, Pat (Lowell) Fundom, Platte City, MO; and Elizabeth (Elias) Alvarez, Hurst, TX, and sixteen grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ivan and Ruth Anne Spiker, and his stepbrother, John Murphy.
A celebration of life will be held at Iron Clad, 427 Lincoln Ave, Wamego, KS 66547, on Saturday, August 26th at 10:00 a.m.