Clarence "Butch" Joseph Spence

Mr. Spence passed away on Monday, March 18, 2019 at the residence of his daughter and caregiver, Sandra Benoit.

He was employed as a tug boat captain and Merchant Marine for more than 30 years. After his retirement, he worked for Securities in Gulfport, MS. He enjoyed traveling to many countries and often said he went everywhere but Hawaii. He spent the last five years of his life in the St. Martinville area.

Butch enjoyed life on the land and water, farming and raising many animals.

He is survived by children, Robert Spence and Darlene of Slidell; Sally Rogers and Keno of Glenmora; Susan Labit and Robert of Modesto, CA; Sandra Benoit and Scott and Sherry Gachassin and James all of Parks; Maria Spence and Diana Spence both of Costa Rica; one brother, James Leroy Spence, Jr. and Linda of Gulfport, MS; one sister, Muriel Spence Sutcliffe of Gulfport, MS; his former spouses, Rosemary Hoover Spence and Moramay Arias; 22 grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Leroy Spence, Sr. and Sarah “Blondie” Wyman Spence; infant son, Richard Joseph Spence and two sisters, Sadie Verret and Margie Genie Benoit.

To view on-line obituary and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.

Evangeline Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.