He may be one of the most recognizable people in Marion. And, if you’ve ever met him—even once—he will never forget your name. Picking up litter on his daily walks, Kenny Spafford knows Marion County.
Originally from Lima, Kenny moved to Marion at the age of 19 to attend Tri-Rivers. Over the past 30 years, he has become a local fixture, volunteering for causes too numerous to count—Christmas Clearinghouse, Green Camp Lions Club, Marion County Board of Elections, Marion Relay for Life, the Palace Theatre, and Miss Heart of Ohio Pageant, among many, many others.
He walks, not just around town, but for charity, too. Motivated by his own battle with Type 2 diabetes, he has walked to support the March of Dimes and Race for the Cure, as well as multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, arthritis, pediatric cancer, leukemia & lymphoma, Special Olympics, diabetes, and the Kidney Association. His favorite shoes are Adidas.
Kenny’s incredible memory extends, particularly, to sports statistics. He was awarded Harding High School’s Presidential Citation as their “#1 Fan” and follows football, basketball, and volleyball at both Harding and Pleasant high schools. One would be hard pressed to stump Kenny on even the most minutia of detail in the sporting arena.
Similarly, he is a huge military history buff and can recall historical details on the spot given virtually any date on the calendar. He is a collector of Army surplus and recalls “eating C’s” as a child. Both of his parents were veterans.
Kenny works part-time at Goodwill and is self-employed with several clients in downtown Marion for whom he cleans offices and buildings. He is unabashed in his love for Marion.
“Marion has been so kind to me,” said Kenny. He credits a “support network” that reads like a who’s-who of Marion for helping him over the years. “I have so many people to be thankful for,” said Kenny. “People have taught me to do the right things and to do what has to be done.” He speaks with particular fondness of the Maniaci family, Lowell Thurston, and Vaughn Williams.
“I know a great many people in Marion, and they know me,” said Kenny. “I wouldn’t trade these friendships for anything, anything at all.”
#marionmade #wearekind #wearecaring
