Reed David Spackman

Preston, Idaho - - - - Reed Spackman
Preston- Reed David Spackman, 84, passed away on August 12, 2010 at his home in Preston, Idaho. He was born on February 1, 1926 in Preston, Idaho to Joseph Hyrum and Iris Julia Jensen Spackman.
He grew up on a farm in the old 6th Ward and had many happy memories of his life there and friends that he had. He loved to go to the farm in Treasureton and work or spend time there with Bill's family. He joined the U.S. navy during World War II, but only served a short time because of an injury and was Honorably Discharged.
He attended schools in Preston, never graduating nor attending college, but could read a book faster than normal and could do math problems quickly in his head. He had a natural knack and knowledge when it came to repairing machinery.
He worked for 25 years for Carl E. Nelson Construction Company, for most of that time as Crusher Foreman, where he worked all over the Western United States and into Canada on projects. He spent at least two summers working on the roads leading to the points of interest on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. He worked in Nevada during the atomic bomb testing. Many close lifelong friends were made during this time. He then worked for J.D. Harris in Logan as a diesel mechanic for five years. He was offered and decided to then go to work for JNR Naylor Ranch and spent over 30 years doing what he loved best and that was cutting grain, swathing hay, and running a backhoe. He literally wore out a swather and a combine with all the acreage that he cut for many people in the area. Even after he couldn't work anymore, he could tell you the workings inside and out of one of the machines that he had worked on.
He loved to spend time with his grandchildren, showing them how to fix a problem on a piece of machinery, and how to swing a sledgehammer, always with his special grin and a joke or two.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Spackman of Preston; by a son and two daughters, Bill (Carol) Spackman of Preston; Becky(Kent) Porter of Preston; Karen(Jim) Naylor of Dayton, Idaho, by fifteen grandchildren, thirty-seven great-grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren, and by a brother, Stuart(Alice) Spackman of Heyburn, Idaho. He was preceded in death by four brothers; Ted, Leroy, Glen, and Ross and by three sisters; Leila, Nelda, and Barbara.
Time spent with his family was very important to him. He set a good example of honesty and hard work. He passed away with family and wife of over 63 years by his side. Thank you, Dad, for showing us patience, courage, and a sense of humor to the end.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Webb Funeral Home's new facility, 1005 South 800 East in Preston, Idaho, with Bishop Randy Wakley conducting. A viewing will be held on Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, and on Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. also at the mortuary. Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com.