02/17/2026
Joe Spann was born January 3, 1942. He did not appreciate being born so close to Christmas. He was born in Shelbyville, Texas to Charlie and Estelle Spann. Joe died peacefully in his home on February 14. He was surrounded by people who loved him. He took his last breath and was reunited with those who had gone before him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, extended relatives. He also had a reunion with his first grandson, Austin Glos, who died in April 2025. We know he had joyful reunions.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 10am-11am at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 11am. Private interment will follow at Spann’s Chapel Cemetery.
Being raised in the country he loved all things outside. He loved to fish, hunt, and explore. He loved his grandpa Ephram and they did many things together throughout his childhood, he never stopped telling stories about his grandpa.
One day Joe was in the car and he noticed some workmen outside in town. He said that one had a clipboard standing above the other man who was down in the sewer. He said to himself then and there, “I am going to be the man with the clipboard.” He did in fact become the man with the clipboard.
Being from a family with very little means he knew he would need help to afford college, so he joined the Army. There he developed his love of scallops because that’s what they ate every Friday for dinner. He served in Fort Collins in Colorado. Four years ago, he took members of the family to find the place where he watched a parade. We found the exact corner and he was tickled. After the army, he settled in Houston, Texas.
He married Frances Stilby and they had 2 daughters, Kelly and Tracey. The marriage ended and Kelly and Tracey moved to Center to live with Charlie and Estelle, better known as Mem and Pa. Joe had to work in Houston, but he drove every Friday evening after working all day to Center for the weekend. After football, on Sunday he would drive back to Houston to do it all over again. Note: He was a 29-year-old man doing this for his girls.
Those girls eventually became moms themselves, and Joe Spann (Papa) was never the same. His grandkids were the light of his life and don’t even try to talk about him getting to see 4 great-grandchildren and expecting another along the way. Family was everything to him.
Joe is survived by:
Daughters:
Kelly Glos
Tracey Walters (Conrad)
Grandchildren:
Hannah Brooks (Kyle)
Mandie Sullivan (John)
Bradley Walters (Hannah)
Great-grandchildren, the light of his world: Kamber, Hollyn, Olivia, Bexlee and little Briar who is on the way and we will meet in June.
He is also survived by nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
If there was ever a man who heard “Well done”, it was Joe Spann. He will be missed more than words can say but he died knowing that he left a legacy that will continue for generations to come.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
