Robert Willard Spencer

Robert Willard Spencer, on May 9, 2013, was reunited with family and friends who passed on before him. He was born to Frank and Alletta Spencer on November 9, 1923 in Palisade, a small logging town on the Mississippi River near Aitkin, Minnesota.

Robert (Bob) was raised on several small farms where he learned to work hard and do without. At the age of 14 he was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Later, he and his brother Glen moved to Utah to be near the Church and its members.

Bob joined the United States Army in February 1943 at Fort Douglas and served three years during WWII. Much of his time in the Army was spent in North Africa and Italy guarding prisoners of war. Because he came from a farm and knew how to work with horses, he was assigned to a cavalry unit with 500 horses and 5000 mules and became a military policeman. His unit also maintained peace and order among the Allied troops.

After the war Bob returned to Utah, where he met and married Laurel Clara Bowen in the Manti Temple on November 26, 1947. Eventually, they moved to Ogden, Utah where they raised eight children. Having a large family created the need to work several jobs. He worked a number of years as a body and fender repairman for Browning Chevrolet. Bob eventually completed a career at Hill Field Air Force Base where he retired. He also started a small business as a furniture repairman and refinisher.

Bob loved to deer hunt, fish, and travel. When he was younger, he was a whitewater river runner and floated many of the rivers in the western states. He fell in love with the deserts of the southwest where he spent many years exploring. He loved family vacations, campouts, and the many cruises he and his wife took.

The most important things in his life were his family and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held numerous callings in the Church, among them were scoutmaster, High Councilman, and temple worker in the Ogden and Washington D.C. Temples. Bob and his wife also served a mission in Nacodoches, Texas.

Surviving members of his family are his wife Laurel Bowen, Scott (Jeanne) Spencer of Roy, Lynne (Art) Cude of Harrisville, Reed (Nada) Spencer of Pleasant View, Lois (Ed) Douglas of West Haven, Ben (Karen) Spencer of Sandy, Don (Paige) Spencer of Farr West, Margaret (John) Chevalier of Layton, Ken (Marnie) Spencer of Blackfoot, ID, sister-in-law Cleo Spencer of SLC, sister Darlene Howard of Brainard, MN, sister Helen (Cliff) Carlson of Brainard, MN, sister Phyllis Morris of Aitkin, MN, and brother Jim (Norma) Spencer of Aitkin, MN. Bob is also survived by 28 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the Canyon Hollows Ward at 1550 Rushton Street in Ogden on May 13, 2013 at 11:00 AM. A short viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. A viewing will also be held May 12, 2013 at the Aaron's Mortuary at 496 24th St in Ogden from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.