Richard N. Spencer, 84, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at home. Richard “Dick” was born April 5, 1940, in Carthage to Richard C. and Dorris Spencer. He grew up in the Sarcoxie and Reeds, Missouri area, and graduated from Sarcoxie High School in 1958. In Dick’s youth, he excelled at sports, especially baseball; he traveled with the American Legion as a semi-pro player and was scouted by the Chicago White Sox. Dick retired from Leggett and Platt after 30+ years. Once he retired, he ranched cattle on the family farm, as well as owning and operating a mowing business. In those days it wasn’t unusual for Dick to trade his lawn services for baked goods. He loved to stay busy outside, and kept a large garden, making sure to grow enough tomatoes to share with family and friends. He liked to walk the woods mushroom hunting, bird hunting, and fishing, and had a big heart for animals. Dick was an avid Cardinals and Chiefs nation fan and was a founding member of the Center Creek Social Club.
Dick was a man who loved his family, including the extra-large family he married into. He really enjoyed the annual reunion of all those family members and regretted being too sick to attend in September. He truly loved all four of his children and all his grandchildren. They each held their own place in his heart, and he was proud of their accomplishments. He and his mother-in-law, Joan Ogden, had mutual admiration for one another. She loved him like her own son, and he loved her like his own mother.
He loved a fun party and loved being included in celebrations of the many nieces, nephews and cousins in the extended family. Wednesday nights with his buddies sustained him over the years. He always realized their importance in his life and thought of them as chosen family.
Dick was united in marriage to Brenda Baird on January 22, 1988, in Miami, Oklahoma; she survives.
Dick is survived by his wife, Brenda Spencer; a son, Ryan Stone (Greg) of Summerville, South Carolina; three daughters, Michelle Houser, Angela Howrey (Jeff), and Amanda Stone (David), all of Carthage, Missouri; a sister, Patty Wooten (Tom) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; three nieces and nephews, Tamara (John), David, and Cathy (Bobby); five grandchildren, Tiffanie White, Tyler Howrey (Abby), Isabelle Howrey, Oaklie Howrey, and Mia Miles; three great grandchildren; and one great great grandson.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Dorris Spencer.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Carthage Humane Society, V. Foundation for Cancer Research, or Cancer Research Institute in care of Ulmer Funeral Home.
Online contributions may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
