Mr. Bruce Spence of Kansas City, MO, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
The chapters of his life were many; these are some of them.
Mr.'s children carry forward what was given to them.
Bruce Wayne Spence, a beloved husband, father, family member, and friend, peacefully departed this life on April 30, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 6, 1966, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the late Clarence Barnes Jr. and Lillian Mary Louise Spence.
Bruce was raised in the family home at 34th and Chestnut, where he developed the strong values of faith, love, and community that would guide him throughout his life. He was educated in Kansas City Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1984. Bruce dedicated many years of his professional life to service and hard work. He was employed with Marriott Residence Inn and other companies in various roles before committing 15 years of service as an industrial worker with Brenntag. His dedication and perseverance led to his retirement on September 6, 2022.
A man of deep faith, Bruce was a devoted member of Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Kansas City, Missouri. For over 20 years, he faithfully served as an usher, lifted his voice in praise as a member of the Male Chorus, and gave his time through the Ministry of Kindness, helping those in need. He also served diligently as a Church Steward, always committed to his calling and service to God.
On November 12, 1994, Bruce united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Thomasine Rainey. Their bond was one of enduring love, partnership, and devotion.
Bruce had a passion for music, especially the smooth sounds of the "Quiet Storm" genre, and spent time DJing in his earlier years. He was also an avid sports fan who loved football, baseball, and basketball. His enthusiasm extended to his part-time role as an attendant at the Kansas City Royals baseball stadium, where he enjoyed watching one of his favorite teams play. Creativity was another gift Bruce carried. He loved comics and was a talented artist, often drawing and creating his own characters. He had a special fondness for Batman, a connection he cherished because they shared the same name. Known for his kind heart, loving spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need, Bruce touched the lives of many. He will be remembered for his generosity, his faith, and the love he gave so freely.
Bruce leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Thomasine Spence (Thomi); his children, Bryce Spence of Kansas City, Missouri, and Jasmine Spence of Austin, Texas; his sister, Donna Peyton (Spence) of Kansas City, Missouri; his father-in-law, Sammie Rainey of Kansas City, Missouri; his brother-in-law, Terry Rainey of Independence, Missouri; and his sisters-in-law, Sandra Ellis of Merriam, Kansas, June Matfield of Kansas City, Missouri, Sherrie Jordan (Leonard Jordan Sr.) of Kansas City, Missouri, and JaCinda Rainey of Kansas City, Missouri. He also leaves his beloved goddaughters, Di'avion Te'Shon Boyd, Aisha Love, Michele Smith, and Shakia Boyd along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.
Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Barnes Jr.; his mother, Lillian Mary Louise Spence; his mother-in-law, Lorene Rainey; brother in-law Michael Matfield Sr. and his sisters-in-law, Loretta Sandifer and LaTonya Turner. Bruce Wayne Spence's legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in all who knew him as well as his infectious smile.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Metropolitan AME Zion Church. Interment: Twelve Gates Memorial Garden. Visitation: 10:00am – 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com
