Louis Edward Spossey

Wednesday, November 4, 1998

Louis Edward Spossey

Longtime barber in Washington
Patrons of Spossey's Hair Center in Washington say they will miss the quick efficient snips of Louis Edward Spossey's scissors during his infamous dry haircuts, which were always peppered with a little Washington gossip and plenty of political discussion.

Spossey, 89, a barber for more than 70 years, died at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday in Washington Hospital following a 10-day illness.
"He loved to discuss politics," said his son, Washington Mayor L. Anthony "Sonny" Spossey, who has worked with his father at the shop at 530 W. Chestnut St. for the past 43 years. "It's fitting he died on Election Day. He's probably up there running around to all the polls."
Spossey said his father learned to give quick haircuts when his shop was at the old West Chestnut Street train station, now converted into an office building.
"People used to stop there and they would have a quick haircut and a shave between trains, so he was very fast," Spossey said. "I've seen him do it in eight minutes, maximum 15."
Over the years, Louis Spossey, who lived on Duncan Avenue, moved his shop farther and farther up West Chestnut Street. He started out in the 300 block. Several years later he moved to the 400 block. He moved to the 500 block about 25 years ago.
Mr. Spossey rarely took vacations and worked at the barber shop up until his illness 10 days ago. He worked Tuesdays through Saturdays with his son and granddaughter, Lisa Spossey-Gorby.
Mr. Spossey's regular customers and family members describe his work ethic and loyalty to his customers and all remember plenty of good talks.
"I have a father-in-law who's 97 years old who's in a home. Louie would go over to the home on his day off, on a Monday, and cut his hair," said Lawrence "Bruz" Miller of North Franklin, a regular at Spossey's for the past 25 years.
"It was satisfaction and good treatment. We just talked about his life and politics and good times," said Wendel Gower of Washington, another longtime customer.
When not at his shop, Mr. Spossey spent his evenings with his wife, Margaret Spossey, whom he married July 4, 1934. She has been a patient in Washington County Health Center's Alzheimer's unit for the past three years.
Mr. Spossey was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, and its Holy Name Society.
Also surviving in addition to his wife, son and granddaughter, are a daughter, Bernadette Adams of Washington; a brother, Anthony Spossey of Syracuse, N.Y., a sister, Elvira Mancuso of Washington; and four grandchildren, Mark and Wray Spossey and James and Brad Bissell; and nine great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a brother, Alfred Spossey, and four sisters, Mary Sardella, Carmella Marie Molla, Erma Manti and Mildred Thomas.
*This obituary was written by Heidi Price