Richard "Dick" Hadley Spieler

Richard "Dick" Hadley Spieler, 86, of California, Mo., passed away Thursday, December 8, 2016, at his home. He was born on October 24, 1930, in St. Louis, Mo., to Herbert and Florence (Butler) Spieler, both of whom preceded him in death. He attended Kramer Grade School and graduated from California High School in 1948. On October 28, 1951, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Jane Volkart, who preceded him in death in 2014. Dick served in the United States Army in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Growing up, Dick worked on the family dairy farm delivering milk to the California area. Along with his dad, he operated the John Deere Dealership in Tipton and then worked for Ralston Purina. In 1968, Dick opened Spieler's Inc., which is still family owned and operated. For many years, he and Jane enjoyed camping and traveling in their motor-home. He also enjoyed the work that came along with family farming. His grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's activities brought great joy and happiness to his life. He was a dedicated member of the California United Church of Christ serving on numerous boards and committees during his lifetime. Dick was very active in the community declaring "California is the best place to live in the world." Dick was lovingly teased by his family for his penchant for striking up conversations with strangers no matter where he was and always finding a way to connect with people. He was truly a "people-person" and loved to visit with others. Dick and Jane celebrated holidays and other special occasions with four other couples who remained friends for over 50 years. Dick is survived by: his three children, Dana (Wes) Wilber, South Lebanon, Ohio, Kim (Roberta) Spieler and Cinda (Alan) Scheidt of California, Mo.; 10 grandchildren, Shawn (Angie) Gabert of Maineville, Ohio, Kristen (Seth) Everett of California, Mo., Aaron (Ashley) Spieler of Lake Ozark, Lisa (James) Milligan of California, Mo., Abby Spieler of St. Louis, Mo.; Katelyn, Jacob and Daniel Buschjost of California, James (Rebecca) Wilber and Jean Ellen Martin all of Oklahoma City, Okla.; eight great-grandchildren, Katie and Nathan Gabert, Hadley, Logan and Ada Milligan, Royce and Norah Everett and Ella Spieler; one sister, Marthann Buck of Chesterfield, Mo.; sister-in-law, Audrey Spieler of Columbia; special cousin-in-law, Betty Spieler; two sister-in-laws, Doris Fulks and Verna Volkart and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by: an infant son, Stephen; one brother, James R. Spieler and special cousin, Bob Spieler. The family received friends at California United Church of Christ on Sunday, December 11, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m., Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, December 12, 2016, at California United Church of Christ officiated by Rev. Dale Parson. Interment was held at Evangelical Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Evangelical Cemetery or Donor's Choice. On-line messages of sympathy may be contributed at www.windmillridgefuneralservice.com.