Spencer Ellis Waldrip

Spencer Ellis Waldrip, known affectionately as Spe to his friends and family, passed away at the age of 27 on May 19, 2025, in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas. Born on March 23, 1998, to Greg and Susan Waldrip, Spencer was a beacon of creativity and adventure from his earliest days. He was a cherished brother to Jackson and Elizabeth Waldrip. The three siblings formed a tight-knit trio and had a variety of adventures throughout their youth --keeping their parents amused, entertained, and occasionally, exasperated. Spencer's academic journey led him to Kansas State University, where he pursued his passion for the natural world through the study of Horticulture. His love for the earth's beauty was evident in everything he did, and it was this love that fueled his remarkable career. Spencer's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly from an early age when he began running his own successful landscaping business in high school. This endeavor financed his ventures into the real estate market where he purchased and managed three rental properties. Not one to rest on his laurels, Spencer was also a self-taught computer programmer and software validator, and he applied his meticulous skills to Boeing quality control methods in his position at SQA Services. In every aspect of his life, Spencer's creativity was a driving force. He was a man who could see the potential in the mundane, a trait that led him to develop an innovative regenerative farming technique that combined his horticultural knowledge with his inventive spirit. Spencer's hands were rarely still, as he found joy in crafting wood cabinetry, shaping ceramics, and strumming his favorite rock songs on his guitar. His love for the outdoors was profound; he often spent his time volunteering with the Andover Augusta Rail Trail Initiative, hiking through nature's splendor, and enjoying the companionship of his loyal dog, Lobo, while fishing and hunting. Those who knew Spencer would describe him as a man of intelligence, creativity, and adventure. He approached life with a sense of wonder and an eagerness to explore the unknown. His presence was a gift to all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and his absence will be deeply felt. Ultimately, Spencer lost the battle to bipolar disorder. His journey with this affliction was difficult, unfair, and often challenging. Despite the hand that Spencer was dealt, he approached each day with strength. He will always be remembered for the light he brought into the world, even in the face of adversity. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Spencer embodied this sentiment and was always known as being an out-of-the-box thinker and innovator who never succumbed to conventional solutions. Spencer's legacy is one of inspiration, a reminder to all of us to pursue our passions with fervor and to approach life's challenges with bravery. As we bid farewell to Spencer Ellis Waldrip, we celebrate the remarkable life he led and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of those who loved him. Spencer's memory will continue to flourish in the lives he touched, in the beauty of the earth he cherished, and in the echoes of the laughter and joy he shared with the world. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Friday, May 30, 2025, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Service will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 31, 2025, at East Heights United Methodist Church. A memorial has been established with the Andover Augusta Rail Trail Initiative, P.O. Box 692, Andover, KS 67002.

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