William (Spence) Elbert 1944-2016
Nov 29, 2016 | Obituaries |
William (Spence) Elbert, 72, of Gallatin passed away Nov. 26, 2016 at his home. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 1, 2016 at McWilliams Funeral Home in Gallatin. Visitation will be Wednesday evening 5-7 p.m. where friends may call after 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery near Gallatin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Green Hills Animal Shelter in Trenton.
Spence was born Aug. 8, 1944 to the son of Edward and Margaret Pauline (Everman) Elbert in El Dorado, Kan. The Elbert family moved back to Gallatin in 1947 and made their home at the Elbert Hotel. Spence was a 1962 graduate of Gallatin High School and attended Trenton Junior College for 1 year. He was united in marriage to Judith Brosch Feb. 9, 1964 in Trenton and the couple made their home in Gallatin. Spence began his working career working for Hales Market and at the Elbert Lumber Supply. In 1966, Spence and Judith moved to Maysville to manage Elbert’s Department Store. The family moved back to Gallatin and continued to manage the store and did so until the death of his father Edward in 1975. At that time Spence became the owner operator of the business until the last few months due to his failing health. He was an entrepreneur his entire life as well as being community minded. Customer service was his niche and serving the public was his gift.
Spence was a member Gallatin Rotary Club serving as past president, the Gallatin J.C’s and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Gallatin. He had many hobbies but his true passion was caring for all animals. He enjoyed trail rides, boating at the lake, water and snow skiing and had a great appreciation for well-detailed vehicles. Spence was very meticulous and dressed accordingly. In later years, western attire became his staple. He was well known for great sense of humor and ability to tell jokes; his smile would brighten up anyone’s day. Spence never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, he built lasting relationships wherever he went, and to know him was to love him. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Spence was preceded in death by his parents.
Spence is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Judith of the home; 3 sons, Slade Elbert of Baker City, Ore., Travis Elbert and wife Rhonda of Trenton, Jordan Elbert of San Diego, Calif.; 2 brothers, Gary Elbert and wife Patty and Troy Elbert, both of Gallatin; and three grandchildren, Truman, Noah and Ian Elbert.
Online condolences may be left at www.mcwilliamsfuneralhomes.com
