William Olene Spurgeon

Burley – William Olene Spurgeon, an 84-year-old resident of Burley, was called home Thursday, May 20, 2021, surrounded by loved ones at his daughter’s home in Burley.

He was born July 15, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to James William and Evelyn Anna (Case) Lister; he lived for a short time in Duchesne, Utah. After his parents’ divorce, Olene’s mother, Evelyn, went on to marry Richard James Spurgeon. Richard saw Olene and his older sister, Phyllis, as his own and adopted them in 1940. From that point on, the family resided in Burley, Idaho.

As a kid, he loved to run with his friends and cousins racing pedal bikes on the “North Side.” In his teenage years his interests developed into motor sports, especially dragging Main Street in his hot rod. He liked to tinker, and was always trying to make things better and faster.

Olene worked at the Burley Brick Yard as a young man and he really enjoyed being on the road delivering bricks to neighboring states. During this time, he met a beautiful young lady, Nelda Jean Edwards, where she worked at the A&W Root Beer stand. They were married six weeks later on July 31, 1956. They shared 62 memorable years together before Nelda passed away on May 18, 2019.

Shortly after their marriage, Olene began working at the City of Burley street department, where he worked until retirement. He enjoyed running the road grader and became very skilled in its operation. From there, he quickly moved up to the position of superintendent.

Olene and Nelda did everything together. You would never see one without the other. They always had a full tank of gas and the next adventure to conquer, with Burley in the rearview mirror.

Olene shared his love for the outdoors with his family which included: camping, boating, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and motorcycling. You could find him in the mountains almost every weekend. During his retirement, his passion developed into scouting wildlife and taking in the scenery. One of his most cherished activities was finding the moose at Trapper Creek and the wild turkeys in Albion.

He had three wonderful children, Bryan, Lauria, and Renee. However, his pride and joy were his “turkeys” (grandchildren). He loved to spoil them and tease them until everyone was laughing hysterically. His grandchildren are Hayley (Nathan) Baker, Wylie (Mayra) Watterson, Sydee Jo Watterson, and Kolby Watterson.

He is survived by his son, Bryan Spurgeon; daughter, Renee (Clint) Watterson; six grandchildren; siblings, Anita Taylor, Rosalyn (John) Katzenmeyer, Terry (Jan) Spurgeon, (who he grew up with), Richard (Julene) Lister, Beverly Lister, Jerry (Jill) Lister, and Dale (Jan) Lister; and stepsister, Joann Rasmussen.

In addition to his wife, Nelda Jean, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Lauria Spurgeon; his parents; his sister, Phyllis Kurtz; brother-in-law, Howard Taylor; and half siblings, Raedean (Tommy) Worman, and Jimmy Lister.

Olene’s life will be celebrated from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. A graveside service will be held at 12 noon Friday, June 4, at Sunny Cedar Rest Cemetery in Almo.

Grandpa, we will never forget being your “turkeys.” We love you!