Leon (Rabbit) E. Spence

     Leon E. Spence (Rabbit) of Frederica, DE passed away surrounded by his loving and cherished family on Friday, August 2, 2024, at his home. He was 80 years old.

     Born in Dover, DE, Mr. Spence was the son of the late Leon Edward Spence, Sr., and Mary Margaret Stevenson Spence. He grew up in Ridgely, MD and was a 1962 graduate of North Caroline High School in Ridgely.

     Mr. Spence was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He retired from the DE Department of Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife in Dover after 33 years. He had been the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Coordinator, working with the Academy of Natural Sciences and the State of Delaware doing Rescuing and Research. He was an avid and well-known model train enthusiast and was an excellent wildlife wood carver and artist. He loved taking care of and working at the family's Christmas Tree Farm, Spence's Tree Farm. But most of all, he was a wonderful brother, husband, father, and grandfather in a family that loved him deeply and dearly.

     Mr. Spence is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Diane Gloyd Spence of Frederica; two sons, Sean D. Spence (Christina) of Seaford, DE and Noah E. Spence (Holli) of Preston, MD; a brother, John E. (Jack) Spence (Sandy) of Salisbury, MD; a sister, Janet R. Spence of Easton, MD; and six grandchildren: Michael Briggs of Seaford, Riley Briggs (Harley) of Camp Lejune, NC, Mason Spence of Seaford, Portia Spence of Preston, MD, Regyn Spence of Preston, and Astryd Spence of Preston. He was predeceased by a son, Ian Spence.

     Services were private with the family only. A public celebration will be announced in the future. If friends wish to send a memorial donation in memory of Mr. Spence, the family suggests sending it to the National Audubon Society (act.audubon.org).

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