Royce Lynn McSpadden

Royce Lynn McSpadden, Mountain View. Born April 2, 1937, Bethesda, AR; died January 5, 2014, Calico Rock, Ark. Parents, Byron Luster McSpadden & Frances Irene Brightwell McSpadden, preceded him in death. Survivors: wife, Mary Catherine McSpadden; brother, Larry McSpadden (Ginny); one nephew, Brad McSpadden (Tasha); one grand-niece, three grand-nephews, one step daughter, Kate Hurley; one step son, Jim Hurley (Ami); three step grandsons; several aunts and uncles; many cousins; and a host of friends. As the son of a Methodist preacher, Lynn lived in many towns in North Arkansas. He graduated from high school in Corning; from Hendrix College in Conway; and from Duke University Divinity School in 1962. He pastored churches in the former North Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church and in Missouri. He was associate pastor of Barony Kirk, (Church of Scotland) in Glasgow, Scotland; and taught high school English in Farmington, Missouri. Lynn crafted mountain dulcimers from 1962 through the end of 2000. He was responsible for the creating of more than 42,000 dulcimers, bringing much joy to many hundreds of people throughout the world. He was a faithful son, a caring brother, the true love of his wife of nearly 42 years, a chronicler of family history and genealogy, a fair and conscientious employer, a concerned and involved step-parent, and a kind, gentle, brilliant, and funny man. Lynn was active in the Ozark Foothills Handicraft Guild, the Gateway Tourist Council, the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce, and First United Methodist Church in Mountain View. He loved flying single-engine planes and restoring antique cars. The family wishes to thank Dr. Zini and everyone at White River Health Care in Calico Rock. They made Lynn's last days comfortable and safe, and treated him always with skill and respect. Thanks also to Gina Gall and White River Area Agency on Aging for their care for Lynn in his home. The staff and doctors of Senior Haven at White River Medical Center in Batesville gave kind care to Lynn and good advice to Mary Catherine. The prayers, support, and kind words of Lynn's many friends have given comfort and some smiles to Mary Catherine during his health struggles. If you do not smoke, or use tobacco in any form, don't start. If you are already a smoker, QUIT NOW! Emphysema is a miserable disease. Memorial service will be at First United Methodist Church in Mountain View, Tuesday, January 14, at 1 p.m., with visitation following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Scholarship Fund, United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 74, Mountain View, Ark. 72560; Methodist Family Health, 1600 Aldersgate Road, #2000, Little Rock, Ark. 72205; Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. 72202; or a charity of your choice.