Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SBT 2/8/1994

Edward C. Spence Sr.

Oct. 22, 1934-Feb. 4, 1994

SOUTH BEND - Edward Cyril Spence Sr., 59, of 814 Lindenwood Drive, died at 7:54 a.m. Friday in Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Ann Arbor, after an illness. Mr. Spence was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier and retired in 1981 from the Army as a sergeant major after 30 years of service.

He was born Oct. 22, 1934, in Atlanta, and lived in South Bend since 1981, coming from El Paso, Texas. On March 10, 1979, in Jacksonville, Fla., he married Verla Shaffer. She survives, with four daughters, Stephanie Spence of St. Louis, Paula Robinson of Vernon, N.Y., Michelle Spence of Decatur, Ga., and Kimberly Ecker of South Bend; seven sons, Edward C. Spence Jr., Karl Spence and Gregory Spence, all of Bronx, N.Y., Jeffery Spence of Patterson, N.J., David Spence of San Diego, Edward F. Spence of Westchester, Pa., and David Carte of South Bend; and 14 grandchildren. A son, Stephen, preceded him in death.

There will be no services. Cremation will take place. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Hollis-Orvis-Palmer Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Foundation.