St. George, Utah – With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Clarence Henry "Chris" Spilker on October 5, 2022, age 95 from illness incident to age. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family emigrated from Germany to the US shortly after the end of World War I. He was born July 21, 1927 in Salt Lake City, UT. He was the only surviving sibling that was born in the US. His last name was changed to Spilker when his family applied for citizenship and was found that a great grandfather had changed the family name from Spilker to Hollinderbaumer because "Spilker" was too common in that area of Germany. They changed the family name back to Spilker because that was easier for their American neighbors. After completing his junior year at Granite High School, Chris joined the Merchant Marines (where they insisted on changing the spelling of his last name to "Spelker" to sound less German) and served on a Victory Ship in the Pacific Theater until the end of World War II. After returning from military service, he married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Daybell on June 24, 1947 and they were inseparable for over 74 years until Joyce's passing on January 26, 2022.

With his loving wife, he served missions in Ghana (Accra), New York (Rochester), and twice in Martin's Cove, Wyoming. He was a long-time temple worker until his health no longer allowed him to do so. He served as a high councilman, a counselor in the bishopric, and many other leadership and service positions in the church. He was a prominent home builder in the St. George area and built many beautiful homes throughout Washington County. His construction skills were also useful in Ghana where he was responsible for building many church buildings and building maintenance/repair.

Chris is the father of six children: Marsha (Roger) Christensen, Clark (Janet) Spilker, Kevin Spilker (deceased), Janna (John) Hall, Chuck (Connie) Spilker, and Mike (Ann) Spilker. He has 22 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren that were loved by him and loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry and Johanna Spilker; his sisters: Herta, Erna, Hilda, and Elfreida; his wife, Joyce Daybell Spilker; his son, Kevin Spilker; grandson, Cody Spilker; and great-grandson, Caemen Spilker.

Chris was able to spend his last days at his home thanks to the tireless efforts of loving caregivers. The family wishes to particularly thank Stacy Hales, Patsy Heaps, Covin Jacobson, and Jacque Lyman for the care that allowed him to continue to live at home during his last days.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Saturday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery located at 600 East Tabernacle Street.

Clarence Henry Spilker Service Program

Live streaming webcast is available by clicking on the broadcast below. Webcast will remain on-line for 90 days.