Richard Gordon Spahr (Dick) passed away on October 29, 2018. He was born August 21, 1937 in Pocatello, Idaho to Frank E. and Wynona Jarrell Spahr, the fourth of six children; Glen, Keith (Max), Gerald, Robert, Sandra, Ken, and Richard (Gerald, Robert, and Sandra passed away as babies). He grew up in Pocatello, enjoying his childhood, scouting, and education there. He loved his fellow scouters, who called themselves the "Tame Turkeys"! This group of close friends consisted of Wayne Coleman, Fred Jensen, Leland Horrocks, Terry Ricks, and Dick. They enjoyed many glorious times together, that Dick talked about all his life. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Swiss-Austrian Mission. He graduated from Idaho State University with a master's degree in Education.

Dick joined the Job Corps, serving in Nevada and he taught elementary school in South Jordon, Utah and California. He was an art teacher at Idaho Falls High School and Malad High School in Idaho. He loved art and was always involved in helping his students do projects that were enjoyed in the school and community. An example is the picture painted on the outside wall of the gym at the old Malad High School. He loved working with the Beautification Committee in Malad and spent much time developing this project.

Dick married Mary Lynn Ipsen Ward in 1975, in the Idaho Falls Temple, accepting responsibility to provide for and help raise her seven young children. They are David Rulon Ward (Janene), Jana Lynn Ashcraft (Sid), Jacqueline Olson (John), Parry Dean Ward (Lycia), Jennifer Young (Daniel), Jeri Anne Huffstutler (Rod), and Daryl Gregory Ward (Patty). To Dick and Mary Lynn's union were born two sons, Jason Spencer Spahr (Arianne) and Jonathan Michael Spahr (Julie). The family has grown to include many beloved grandchildren (51) and great grandchildren (41). Dick spent his life teaching, training, recording, and loving his time with them.

Dick always loved his home teaching assignments, teaching Gospel Doctrine class, and serving as Scout Master. Dick and Mary Lynn served as missionaries in Aba, Nigeria in the Port Harcourt Mission, then transferred to Palau in the Micronesia Guam Mission (2005-2007) and Francistown, Botswana, in the Johannesburg South Africa Mission which divided into the Namibia/Botswana Mission (2012-2013). These were memorable times, resulting in many cherished experiences and friendships.

Dick is survived by his wife Mary Lynn, all nine children, and one brother, Ken Spahr of Boise, Idaho and many nieces and nephews. Two grandchildren, Isabella Marie Olson and Colton Patton Ward, and one great grandchild, Royce Jaiden Ward, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m. in the 3rd Ward Chapel.  Viewings will be held on Sunday evening from 7-8 p.m. in Brigham City at the LDS Church located 145 W. 500 S. and Monday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service.  Burial will follow in the Pleasantview Cemetery.