This week’s Grave of the Week was a real Mr. Exeter, and he wasn’t even born here! Born and raised in Walnut Grove, Curtis Spott fell in love with Exeter on a trip to the Sequoias. He initially studied science and became an engineer, attending school at UC Berkeley, San Jose State, and USC. He worked for Mattel Toys and oversaw creation of the voice box for the very first Chatty Cathy doll! He changed professions on the advice of his best friend who convinced him to become a lawyer.
While on that fateful trip to the Sequoias, he and his family passed through Exeter. He said it reminded him of his childhood home and despite having no connections or clients in the area, he moved his family to Exeter and began practicing law. He said everyone in the town was welcoming; he came with nothing, and the community accepted him.
Judge Spott served two terms as the Exeter-Farmersville Municipal Court Judge from 1982 to 1994. After his second term as judge, he returned to his law practice and further devoted his time to his community. He volunteered his time and offered free legal advice to almost all of the town’s organizations and low-income individuals. He took his pay in the form of banana bread and persimmon cookies. He helped form Exeter By Design which is responsible for many of the Exeter murals.
Mr. Spott was a member of the Exeter Kiwanis Club. He was president and a Kiwanian of the Year. He was also an Exeter Lion. He served on the Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and the Exeter Cemetery Board for 40 years. As a cancer survivor, he was involved in the Exeter Relay for Life since its inception in 1998. In 1996 was won the community’s Heritage Award and in 2001, he was named Exeter Man of the Year.
Mr. Spott’s wife Patty is still active in Exeter, and he was survived by many children and grandchildren. Please share your happy memories of Mr. Spott and help show Patty and his family that we too remember and miss Curtis.
Comment if you know anyone who should be featured on Grave of the Week. Please include any information about the person’s life and where the grave is located.
Please continue to like, share, and follow the Exeter Cemetery District and thank you to Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Exeter Kiwanis, The Sun-Gazette Newspaper, Exeter Lions Club, Kiwanis Club Of Farmersville, Kiwanis of Woodlake for sharing