Robert William Spell

Robert William Spell passed away peacefully under hospice care on July 21, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born on April 25, 1936, Robert grew up in Indiana and graduated from Anderson High School in 1954. He went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University, followed by an MBA from The Ohio State University.

Robert began his professional career in the 1960s with North American Rockwell in Columbus, Ohio. In the early 1970s, he moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he continued his work in aerospace engineering at Bendix Aerospace. During the 1980s, he relocated to Newport News, Virginia, and concluded his career at Siemens before retiring.

Robert had a lifelong love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed vacationing in Minnesota. A passionate sailor, he found joy and peace on the water with his beloved sailboat. He was a generous supporter of organizations focused on ocean conservation and animal welfare. He was also deeply committed to his faith and community, actively serving for many years in the AWANA program for children.

He is survived by his three children: Robert W. Spell Jr. of Savannah, GA; David William Spell of Hudsonville, MI; and Nancy Jane Campbell of Springfield, TN. He is also survived by his sister, Leanne Frances Williams of Winter Haven, Florida; his brother, Harold Rex Spell of East Tawas, MI; his six grandchildren, Megan and Darcy (children of Robert), Hailey and Tanner (children of David), Genevieve and Abigail (children of Nancy); and four great-grandchildren: Tiegen, Tobias, Korbin, and Grayson.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Lee Spell.

Robert was laid to rest beside his parents in Miller Cemetery in Middleton, Indiana.