White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Vernon Keith Spece, 87 years old, of rural Independence, Iowa, died on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at East Towne Care Center in Independence.  He was born on February 27, 1924, in Sumner Township of Buchanan County, Iowa, the son of William Riley and Nellie (Long) Spece.  During World War II, Mr. Spece served with the U.S. Army in Europe.  On March 20, 1949, he and the former Florence Darlene Masters were married at the Methodist Church in Oelwein, Iowa.  She preceded him in death in 2010.  Mr. Spece farmed in Buchanan County all of his life.  In many ways, his farm was his life.  He retired in 1999.  He will be remembered as a good horseshoe player by those who attended the family reunions where he demonstrated his skill.

Mr. Spece is survived by two sons, Craig (Julie) Spece and Larry Spece, both of Independence, Iowa; one daughter, Diana (Roger) Bagg of Rowley, Iowa; 5 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers, Darrell Spece, Eugene Spece, and John Spece.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 3, 2011, at the White Funeral Home in Independence, Iowa, with Rev. Scott Meador officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, September 2, at the funeral home where a Military Services will begin at 7 p.m.