Michael J. Spanton

Michael J. Spanton, 68 of Jackson Township, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at his home after two years of treatment and special care provided at The Ohio State University’s Arthur James Cancer Research Center. He retired from the Florida Department of Transportation and formerly was employed in a variety of engineering sales positions. He developed the clean room process for Sensormatic Electronics and worked for General Electric in the area of Industrial Diamond growth. He had a brilliant mind and a unique way of looking at the world. The true significance of his life, however, dealt with the lives he touched and the impact he had on others. He had a wonderful wit and a gentle heart, and some would even say that his humor could bring a smile to everyone’s face. He loved his wife, Kathy, and never for a moment failed to put her first. They had 43 years in a loving relationship. A day never went by that he didn’t talk about his friends and how much they meant to him. When people were down on their luck, in trouble or needed a helping hand, he didn’t hesitate to reach out to them. His life was enriched by his family and loved ones being around him. He especially enjoyed his nephews, nieces and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister. Left to remember him with love are his wife, Katherine, her sister, Susan (Michael) O’Donnell and her children, Korin (Jack) Marsh, their children, Stephanie and Jack, Dardrae (Marvin) Breig and their children, Cindi, Ryan and Kayli, Timothy O’Donnell and his son Logan. He is also survived by his sisters, Margaret (Robert) Parker and Susan (Dennis) Reid and their children, Kate Reid and Kelly (Neal) Hickey and their children, Rylee and Eila. A service to celebrate the life of Michael Spanton, will take place on Saturday, October 17th at 10:00 A.M. at the Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Road NE, Massillon, OH, 44646. Interment will follow at Sunset Hills Burial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 7-9 P.M. and on Saturday one hour before the service. The family would appreciate memorial contributions be made in memory of Michael J. Spanton and made payable to OSU Foundation, Wendy O’Brien, 660 Ackerman Road, P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, OH 43218. The check memo line should read Dr. Villalona Lung Research Project. One could also consider Stand Up to Cancer, File 1224, 1801 West Olympic Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 91199-1224. Arnold-Lynch – A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330-833-4839