Guy Spencer Burtis

01.11.2010
Guy Spencer Burtis was born in Garden City, KS, the third son of Preston Arthur Burtis, Sr. and Bess Hopkins Burtis. He is preceded in death by his brothers Robert and Preston Arthur, Jr. and his two wives, Margaret Scholes Burtis and Jo Marilyn Fulcher Burtis.

Spencer was raised in Garden City and attended the University of Kansas before serving as an infantry officer with the 32nd Division during the invasion of the Philippines and the occupation of Japan.

He moved to La Junta in August 1946 where he was managing editor and advertising director, and later publisher of the Tribune Democrat until his retirement in March 1985. He retired to Colorado Springs and has resided at Mount St. Francis Nursing Home for the past three years. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Mount St. Francis for the extraordinary care and attention they provided to him during his residency there.

Spencer is survived by his six children, Susan Gaulding (Scott), Kathie Alvis (Don), Libby Burtis, Bob Burtis, Jordana Woodard (Mark) and Jason Burtis (Michelle). He is also survived by twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Following cremation, a memorial will be conducted at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in La Junta on Friday, January 15th at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount St. Francis in Colorado Springs.