With the passing of Richard W. Spencer, an era in the Hiram community has passed. Member of a long-time Hiram community family, he was active in the Hiram Christian Church, a staunch supporter of Hiram College, a generous donor (with wife Evelynne Troyer Spencer, whom he married in 1939) to socially-responsible causes, a participant in numerous local sports activities, a contributor to the operation of local government and development, a musician of note in community vocal and instrumental ensembles and Hiram postmaster.
Born on February 9, 1919 to Vesta Marie Baker and William Reece Spencer, he was predeceased by brothers Kelly, William Reece, Jr., and James, as well as all the friends of his youth. His beloved wife, Evelynne Troyer Spencer, died in 2017 at the age of 99. He is survived by son Gary DeLand Spencer (Mary), daughters Tina Vivian Spencer Dreisbach (Paul) and Tracy Annette Spencer (Hank Davis). Grandchildren include Dawn C. Dreisbach, Jennifer Spencer Jankowski (Marc), John Spencer Dreisbach (Holly), Brian Richard Spencer, Julian Spencer Davis and Vesta Victoria Davis. Great grandchildren include Brittany Kline, Coben and Magdalena Dreisbach. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, cousins Roger Baker, Douglas Hurd and sister-in-law Marilane Bixler Spencer.
The family is forever grateful to cousin Gail Troyer Hovey, devoted caregiver to both Richard and Evelynne Troyer Spencer in the last years of their lives.
More can be learned about both Richard and Evelynne Troyer Spencer when the family holds a service of remembrance at a later date. They were the community, writ large, shining through all that means to others and each other.
Arrangements for Dick were entrusted to Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services 8382 Center St. Garrettsville, OH 44231. Online Condolences at www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
