HOUSTON - Bayard Wharton Spence passed away on Monday Nov. 9, 2015 after battling pancreatic cancer. Bayard was born on Feb. 27, 1952 to the late Dr. and Mrs. William Spence of Dover. He was also preceded in death by his former wife, Susan. Best known to his friends as "Byo", he was the second child of three. Growing up on the family horse farm, and helping his father at their Veterinary Clinic, it wasn't hard to tell he always had a special connection with animals. Byo was a graduate of Caesar Rodney High School, Valley Forge Military Academy, and University of Delaware. After returning home with a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science, he started The Bath House, Inc., a pet grooming business in Dover. He was a beloved groomer in the Kent County area for over 35 years, and trained his daughter Nikki in the field. Carrying on her Father's legacy of service, Nikki will continue to operate the family business. Byo had many hobbies and interests. He loved sports and was actively involved with Pop Warner football, coaching in his early years and eventually transitioning to officiating football. He did it all from Pop Warner to semi-pro, and was also part of the Delmarva Football Officials Association for over 25 years. He was a Kent County project leader for his children's 4H Club for 10 years, arranging woodworking projects, and being a "horse show" Dad for his kids. He was an avid golfer and enthusiast, and participated in the Silly State Golf League for many years. Byo will be always be remembered as a loving husband, giving father, and humorous, good friend. Byo is survived by his loving wife, Peggy, of 34 years; daughters, Michelle Spence of Milton, Ashley "Nikki" Spence of Houston, and a son, Bayard "Byo" Spence, also of Houston; two grandsons, Trentin Spence and Darrick Spence Littleton of Milton. He also leaves behind a sister, Deborah Cromer (Darrell) of Milford, his brother William Spence (Lisa) of Felton, and life long loving best friends Jim and Jan Morris; and his many, many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend deepest appreciation to the kind and caring hands at The Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, Delaware 19934. The family requests family and friends to bring favorite photos of Byo for display during the Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers contributions in Byo's honor can be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, Delaware 19963 or to the Kent County SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, Delaware 19934. Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com