INDIANAPOLIS
Michael Thomas Spellman, Sr., passed from this life on Friday morning, July 14, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana, after a fifteen-month battle with prostate cancer, a battle he mightily fought to the very end. In his final days, he uttered words to the gentlemen in the room, “Never, ever, miss your PSA test.” He had missed his during the COVID pandemic.
Born on May 22, 1945, to the late William J. and Mary Rose Spellman, “Mike” was the youngest of five siblings. He grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, Harry E. Wood High School, and he later earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.
He retired from BorgWarner, formerly Schwitzer, in 2001 after over 35 years of employment as an accomplished mechanical engineer. He then consulted with Horton, Inc. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and he was recognized as an honorary recipient of the highly regarded Louis Schwitzer Award for Innovation and Engineering Excellence.
Mike was a Christian and an active member of Nativity Catholic Church in Indianapolis for many years. He was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.
In 1963, Mike married the late Pamela Kay (Kimbler) Spellman, and they raised three children, Deborah, Michael and Rebecca. They were both very active parents involved in their children’s education and extra-curricular activities; Pamela Kay was PTA President, and Mike coached baseball and later became President of the Eastside Little League in Indianapolis.
He enjoyed his later years as a part-time resident of Florida playing golf, fishing and traveling and socializing with friends. He traveled back to Indianapolis often and maintained a close relationship with his family.
Mike was beloved by his family and friends. He was respected for his steadfast reliability and dedication, his intelligence, and his quick wit and sense of humor which he maintained even while enduring challenging cancer treatments. He was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his children Deborah (Andrew) Perr, Michael (Ami) Spellman, Rebecca Mourning; his grandchildren Carissa Perr, Alexander Perr, Sarah Mourning, Emily Mourning, Sydnee Musick; his great grandchild Sa’Nyah Carter; brother Edwin Spellman; brothers and sisters-in-law, all of whom he considered to be his siblings, and nephews and nieces, all of whom he dearly loved.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brothers William (Bud) J. Spellman Jr., Paul V. Spellman; sister Mary Jo Buker.
Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 20th, and prayers of the Rosary will begin at 7:30 at GH Hermann Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana.
The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 21st, at Nativity Catholic Church, 7225 Southeastern Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Kind Memorial contributions may be made to Nativity Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis or the Wounded Warrior Project.
