Richard Lee Spanel was born to Leo Anton & Luella Marie (Olsen) Spanel in Broken Bow, Nebraska on October 31, 1944. Richard passed away at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on December 13, 2010. At fourteen years of age, Richard moved to Kern County with his family and graduated Wasco High in 1963. He loved camping and riding/racing his quad in the Pismo Dunes. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking deep pit and just about anything that included being around friends and family. He could be counted on to lend a hand and could fix just about anything (or at least try). He was often spotted at Hoyett's, SQ's and Teresa's, when he wasn't working at his heavy duty diesel mechanic shop, the "Spanel Repair". Richard is survived by his wife of 37 years, Frances Mae (Hathcock) Spanel. Children: daughters Tammy Carter of McFarland, Laura Pearson of Wasco, Karlene Lesh of Bakersfield, Chandra Terry & husband Bill of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and son Scott Spanel and wife, Tawny. Grandchildren: April Pearson, Matthew Spanel, Tyler Spanel, Tatiana Pearson, Carley Rae Spanel, Jacob Spanel, Garrett Spanel, Kaitlyn Pearson, Conner Lesh, Graysun Terry, Gage Terry, Josh Childress & Koty Childress. Mother, Leuella Spanel, sister Delores Tatlow & husband Corky of Wasco, brothers Dean Spanel & wife Sharon of Minnesota, Donny Spanel of Bakersfield, Gail Spanel & fiancé Cheryl, and Tim Spanel of Shafter. Richard was preceded in death this year by his father, Leo Spanel of Wasco and son Ronnie Spanel of McFarland. Also preceding him in death were his niece, Nicole "Nikki" Tatlow of Wasco, and father-in-law, Cleo Hathcock of Wasco. Richard's family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and prayers. He was a well-loved by the community and his family and will be dearly missed. He is now free of pain and wrapped in God's arms. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 19, 2010 from 2pm to 8pm at Peters Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Monday, December 20th at 11:00am at Westside Fellowship with graveside immediately following at Wasco Memorial Park.