Michael Wayne Spinks, 82

Michael Wayne Spinks, 82, of Spencer, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at IU Health Hospice House in Bloomington, IN after a brief stint with an aggressive form of stomach cancer. He was born on July 11, 1943 in Sullivan, IN to Private Lyle Wayne and Marjorie P. (Milam) Spinks. Michael married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Barbara on June 30, 1962 in Fairbanks, IN. He was a member of Spencer First Christian Church.

Michael is survived by his daughters, Kathy Spinks (Don Lamm), Sherry (Dirk) Tucker, and Michelle (Kevin) Watrin; grandchildren, Claire (Allie) McHaley, Hogan McHaley, Lexi (Cole) Yonkee, Jayden Watrin, Caylee Watrin, Nolan Watrin and Venecia Watrin; great-grandchild, Adeline Elizabeth Yonkee; and siblings Mendy (Terry) Smith, and Lisa Parr.

He was preceded in death by his father, Private Lyle Wayne Spinks; his mother, Marjorie Pauline Spinks; his loving wife, Barbara; and his grandson, Zachary Tucker.

Michael was a friend to many and a respected businessman. His career was spent in the electrical cooperative industry. He worked for Hoosier Energy in Bloomington, IN for 43 years in many different management and leadership roles. His calm and loving personality provided a wonderful foundation for his immediate and extended family in many ways. Always the faithful provider, he created a legacy of love for his three daughters in partnership with his wife Barbara with whom he shared 64 wonderful years.

Michael loved the town of Spencer and was proud to serve his community in many ways. He was elected as a member of the Spencer Town Council for multiple terms, the founder of Spencer Tourism, was a member and former president of the Redevelopment Association of Indiana, a mentor for SCORE – an organization that helps young businesses thrive, a member of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Economic Development Corporation, Chairman of the Board of Service Concepts, a community business leader who was integral in forming the business plan for Patriot Manufacturing at Owen Valley High School, as well as a member of many other boards throughout southern Indiana.

He was the recipient of the Owen County 2017 Heart of the Community Award as well as the 2022 Owen County Humanitarian Award. He also had a big influence on many young tennis players during his seven years of coaching at OVHS with Barbara.

Visitation was held Sunday, October 26, at West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home in Spencer, with Pastors Allan Lewis and Diane Wells officiating. Burial was at the Johnson Cemetery in Graysville, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made in Michael's memory to the Owen County Community Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared with Michael's family at westparrishpedigo.com.