G.W. (Jake) Spivey

G.W. Spivey was known as Jake, came to his final rest at 1:00 a.m., Monday, September 13, 2010 in Austin. Jake injured himself on September 4th, while working in his yard as he did regularly. Jake was unable to overcome those injuries.

He was born October 11, 1927 to William Governor Spivey and Mary Elizabeth Williams Spivey. He grew up in Lampasas County and at 17 joined the Merchant Marines and traveled the world during WW II. On his return he met and married Emma Jean Riggs Spivey.

Jake is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Emma Jean Spivey.

Later in life, he married Judy Kieffer. He reached many goals in his life. Jake was a member of the National Association of Power Engineers. He also was a 40 year member of the Onion Creek Masonic Lodge #220 and the Elks Club for many years. He spent time with Drum and Bugle Corp Association of the Shriners helping raise money for children.

He worked for the State of Texas before retiring with 24 years of service. His accomplishments at that job were not easy. When he was hired on with the state as an entry level apprentice working in the boiler room, he realized this was the place to be. He dedicated himself to learn as much as possible by taking courses that allowed him to advance to Superintendent of utilities for all state buildings, including the Texas Capitol in Austin. Jake was truly committed to learn as much as possible to give him and his family the best opportunities available.

He was the fifth child out of seven; all have gone before him except his youngest brother, Billy Spivey and wife, Nona. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and the University of Texas Longhorns. Although Jake worked hard he found time to spend fishing with his family and friends.

He was opinionated and outspoken on all subjects. He lived his life to the beat of his own drummer with few regrets. Jake was highly intelligent and a diehard Democrat. His death was quick and without warning and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his second wife of eight years, Judy Kieffer Spivey of Austin; his three children, Donna Kay Spivey O’Neal and husband, Damon of Kingsland, Gina Marie Spivey Clagett and husband, James of Fort Worth, and Jake Spivey and wife, Misty Marie of McKinney; two granddaughters, Dawn Donette O’Neal Garner and husband, Robert (Hank) Herbert and Dev’n Damaryn O’Neal Morrison and husband, Damon Matthew; and three great-granddaughters, Ashlyn Kay Garner, Emma Brooke Morrison, and Briana Nicole Morrison.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 16, 2010 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home with Reverend Don Long officiating. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.

The family would like to extend a special acknowledgement to the staff of Brackenridge Hospital and the people who helped our dad, making every effort to keep him as comfortable as possible in his final days.