Joseph Howard Spalding, Jr., 83, of Leonardtown, MD died January 22, 2007 in Leonardtown, MD. Born March 30, 1923 in Leonardtown, MD he was the son of the late Joseph Howard and Mary Hermania Spalding, Sr. He was the beloved husband of Catherine "Kitty" Alvey Spalding whom he married on October 11, 1947 in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Compton, MD. He is survived by his children: Kay Christman and her husband John of Breton Bay and Howard Francis "Frankie" Spalding and his wife Paula of Ft. Pierce, FL; 1 grandson: Shawn Francis Spalding; 2 great grandchildren and his beloved little dog "Smokie". He was preceded in death by his granddaughter: Kathryn Leigh Christman.

Mr. Spalding was a life long St. Mary's County resident where he graduated from Great Mills High School Class of 1942. He worked as a driver/salesman for ITT Continental Baking Co. and after 28 years of service he retired in February 1984. He was a member of the 3rd District Optimist Club. He enjoyed traveling, showing classic cars, horse racing, dancing, playing cards and observing nature.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers will be said at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, January 25, 2007 at 10:00 AM in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Compton, MD with Fr. John Dakes officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be: James "Bubby" Spalding, Charles H. "Billy" Guy, Sr., Charles H. "Buddy" Guy, Jr., William Jenkins, F. Elliott "Sonny" Burch and Charles "Charlie" Guy.

Contributions may be made to: Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and/or Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 299, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.