Donald Ray Spendlove

On July 24, 2025, Donald Ray Spendlove of Layton, Utah was released from his earthly body, with his children at his side. Despite his battle with Alzheimer’s and CIDP over the past 10 years he kept his graciousness, positive outlook, wonderful sense of humor, and friendliness that endeared him to many. Heaven certainly gained a character.

Don entered the world prematurely on Aug 3, 1946. He was the second son born to Ward and Barbara (Mortensen) Spendlove in Delta, Utah. His fighting spirit kept him alive to live an active and busy life in rural Utah, riding bikes, playing baseball in the road, and working on the family farm. The family moved to Tooele, Utah in 1958 where he fell in love with the swimming pool, attaching himself to Coach Leigh Pratt. He would swim for three consecutive State Championships and graduated from Tooele High in 1964. He attended Weber State College on a swimming scholarship where he earned an Associates Degree in Science and a Certificate in Autobody.

In high school he was a lifeguard at the pool and also worked for Clar Hansen at Premium Oil Gas Station where he also fell in love with cars. He loved the classics, especially if it was a Chevrolet with a “Big Block”. He would go on to race at Bonneville Dragstrip, sponsored by Mantes Chevrolet.

He met his first wife Shelli DeRemer in Tooele “dragging Main”. They married on Nov 10, 1967, in Elko, Nevada and settled down in Layton, Utah. They later divorced but remained friends. He would re-connect with a friend from Grantsville, Launa Anderson. They married in June of 2006 in Las Vegas where they resided and shared many travel adventures. They later divorced but remained friends.

The outdoors called to him and he cherished the time spent in nature, fully embracing ALL 4 Seasons. He shared this love with his family, taking them camping, fishing, jet-skiing, off-roading, and snowmobiling in many of Utah’s lakes, National Parks and Forests. The family’s favorite camping spot was Moosehorn Lake in the Uintah mountains.

Dad loved watching all sports, from motorsports and football to bull riding and golf. If it was on TV, he was tuned in and wearing out the “previous channel” button to keep up with it all. He especially loved rooting for the Utah Jazz, attending many of their games. He also loved supporting his children and grandchildren, attending their games and extra-curricular activities. And there was never any doubt if dad disagreed with the call made by a referee, both sidelines could usually hear his opinion.

His work ethic helped him excel at various jobs, most notably at Utility Trailer where he spent 39 years and built many friendships. Another hobby that cost/made him money was restoring wrecked cars. His amazing body work and painting skills enabled him to turn a lemon into a beautiful ride, admired by others, often in car shows. His pride and joy was his ‘56 Chevy that he purchased in 1967 and owns to this day.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother J Spendlove. Survived by his sister Dorothy (Al) Bottema of Tooele; his three children of Layton, Dawni White, Stacy Moore, and Tony (Natalie) Spendlove; his six grandsons, Drayden (Amanda) Rupe, Garrett Rupe, Duncan Schofield, TJ Moore, Bridger and Hughston Spendlove; his three great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Emery, and Raya Rupe; and his many nieces and nephews.

The family requests in lieu of flowers to donate to Dawni’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s at http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=18950&pg=personal&px=21355477 or to God’s Garage at https://www.godsgarageutah.com/.

Visitation will be held Saturday August 9, 2025, from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. at the LDS Church 380 S. Fairfield Road in Layton, Utah. A Celebration of Life and luncheon will follow from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. The family recommends casual dress. A car t-shirt, shorts, flip-flops, and a ballcap are adequate. Shirts ARE required, even though dad would have it otherwise. If you have a hot rod or classic vehicle please bring it and maybe even leave a little rubber behind as you depart.

As Dad would say, he’s Got the Hammer Down, Shittin’ and a Gettin’.