David R. Spivey passed away on Wednesday, March 14 at The Forum of Overland Park. He was born on November 14, 1937 in Oklahoma City, OK. After graduating from Rockhurst High School in 1955, Mr. Spivey joined the United States Army where he served with distinction as a paratrooper in the 85th Airborne Division from 1956-1962. While serving in the 85th, Mr. Spivey befriended many of those now considered to be "the Long Gray Line." A graduate of Central Missouri State University and the University of Missouri at Kansas City, Mr. Spivey had an illustrious career at the Jackson County Juvenile Court, retiring in 1998. But Mr. Spivey's true calling came in the form of a crate of books purchased at an auction in the mid 1970s. After researching his purchase, a bookseller was born, and Mr. Spivey started buying and selling books shortly thereafter. His first bookstore, David R. Spivey's Rare Books, Maps and Fine Art, appeared at 45th and State Line in 1980, followed by its eventual move to larger quarters at 825 Westport Road in 1990. As a bookseller and fine print dealer, Mr. Spivey was known throughout the country. He was featured in Architectural Digest, Midwest Living, Country Living, and was often quoted in his hometown Kansas City Star. David R. Spivey's Rare Books closed in December of 2011. Mr. Spivey leaves a sister, Donna J. Welch, three nieces and one nephew. Services will be held at McGilley Midtown Funeral Home on Saturday March 24, 2012. Visitation at 9:30 & service at 10:30. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Kansas City Hospice or any charity of your choice.
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