November 10, 1932 – October 30, 2023
Spencer was born November 10, 1932, in the Township of Coleman (modern day Peculiar). The oldest of three children born to John Spencer and Mary (Parrott) Coleman. He attended Peculiar schools and served in the Korean War as a radio operator stationed in Germany. He wrote many love letters to his sweetheart, Darlene Coleman. On November 11, 1955, Spencer married Darlene and spent the next nearly 66 years lovingly debating nearly every subject from who to vote for, to what’s for dinner. Darlene and Spencer had two children, Dennis Coleman and Shereece (Coleman) Hugi. Spencer loved children and animals. He told great stories and tall tales about coyotes, Indians, Santa Claus, and the Easter rabbit. He had a sixth sense for detecting mischief and swooping in to save his grandsons from their latest daredevil stunts. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandpa, and great grandpa. He was an avid reader who kept up with the latest in crop science, economics, collectibles, and current events. Spencer built and expanded his home as his family grew and loved reading on his porch and feeding feral cats.
After three decades as a machine technician with Solo Cup Company, Spencer was a security officer at Foxwood Springs. He loved making and serving ice cream, picking apples, and making cider, and entertaining his grandchildren and great grandkids. When friends and family came to visit, he would be sure to send everyone home with something he had grown, made, or found (lots of mushrooms and stray kittens). Spencer and Darlene took many road trips to historical sites and national parks. In all his roles as veteran, farmer, machine technician, clockmaker, and devoted family man, he did everything with great care and humble strength. His nickname might have been “Mouse” in his younger days, yet his legacy is mighty.
Spencer’s memories endure in the hearts of his children, Dennis Coleman, and Shereece Hugi (Glenn Hugi); grandchildren, Ryan Breit (Shawna Price), Shawn Coleman (Crystal Coleman), Melissa Boyd (Daniel Boyd), and Stephanie Hilton (Andy Hilton); great grandchildren, Lana Breit, Luke Coleman, Logan Coleman, Aidan Freeman, Adele Boyd, Destinee Shehan, Cole Hilton, Chase Hilton, and Emma Hilton; and sister, Beverly Welborn. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Ann Benson (Coleman) and his beloved wife Darlene Coleman.
Favorite Scriptures: John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet he shall live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 14:1-2 Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you…
