Melvin Bruce Spaulding, 92, of Burton, Idaho, passed away Saturday evening, June 19, 2021, at Madison Memorial Hospital, due to complications from a fall.
Bruce was born April 12, 1929, in his home in Burton, the son of Silas Eli and Marion Taylor Spaulding. He grew up and attended school in Burton and graduated from Madison High School in 1947. He furthered his education at Ricks College.
Bruce stayed in Rexburg to protect his most important interest Jean Archibald. They dated until Jean graduated from High School in 1949 and they were married July 20, 1949 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Together, they raised six boys: Brad, Scott, Kim, Jim, Dan and Joe.
In Bruce's heart farming was his passion and although it did not always treat him well he continued to rent land and farm until his boys knew the value of work and left home. He spent most of his career with the State of Idaho as a Bridge Inspector.
In 1994 Bruce retired from the State after 36 years of service. He and Jean fulfilled his wish to serve a Family History Mission in Salt Lake City, UT. After they returned home, they continued their mission service at the Ricks College Family History Center, where he was the Director of the Center. Throughout his life he served in many capacities within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
After their missions he finally had the time to pursue and develop his love for wood working. His family benefited from his skills with many lovely pieces given as gifts. Time was also spent with his boys and grandchildren sharing his tools and skills with them.
All of his life, Bruce was a true outdoorsman. He loved boating and fishing, was a skilled hunter and an excellent marksman. He was a good skier and loved skiing with family. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend.
Bruce is survived by his wife Jean of 71 years; four sons, Scott (Lisa) Spaulding of Rexburg, ID; Kim (Becky) Spaulding of Indianola, UT; Dan (Pat) Spaulding of Rexburg, Idaho and Joe (Tannis) Spaulding of Rexburg, ID; three siblings, Naomi Anderson, Dwight Spaulding, and Brent Spaulding.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Silas and Marion Spaulding; one brother Frank Spaulding and three sisters Janice Sorenson, Margaret Skidmore and Fern Furness; two sons Brad Spaulding and Jim Spaulding and three grandsons Ned, Jason, and Bruce William Spaulding.
Funeral services for Bruce will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday June 24, 2021 at Burton 1st Ward Chapel, 3958 West 2000 South, Rexburg, Idaho, with Bishop Jeff Fluckiger conducting. Viewing for family and friends will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Flamm Funeral Home and from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the church. Graveside service will follow at Burton Cemetery.