Date of Death: October 24, 2021
Service Details
A memorial will be held Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. Interment will be conducted at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.
Obituary Notice
On Sunday, October 24, 2021, Herbert D. Spencer, Jr. passed away at Glenn Arbor in Battle Creek after a battle with cancer. He was born in Three Rivers, MI on April 8, 1947, son of H. Dee Spencer and Erna (Spranger) Spencer.
Herb graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1965. Worked at Johnson Corporation until he enlisted in the Army in 1966.
After Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky he was stationed at Ft. Myer in Arlington, VA. Assigned to Headquarters Company, Military District Washington, DC. He worked in the Pentagon until his Honorable Discharge in May 1969.
In 1968, Herb married Judith E. Padgett of Fairfax County, Virginia on July 15, 1968. After Herb’s discharge, they moved back to Three Rivers to make their home, and continued working at Johnson Corp.
Later, Herb went to Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville, met many people, some became lifelong friends. His love of music introduced him to others who enjoyed getting together to play guitars, and many other string instruments. He enjoyed playing the Blues most of all.
He went on to Western Michigan University to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology.
Herb and Judy traveled all over the country, mostly camping and backpacking in Glacier Park, Montana. They visited many other National Parks, and visited many relatives back in Virginia, and Florida, and friends all over the country.
Of course Herb’s love of fly fishing led him to join Trout Unlimited, Kalamazoo Valley Chapter, where he was a member for about 40 years. He taught many people the art of fly fishing, tying flys and sharing trips with many friends. He even had the chance to fish down in Belize with one of his long time friends.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Judith E. Spencer, Aunts, Lydia Spranger of Clearwater, Florida, Janet Spranger of Battle Creek and many dear cousins from all over the country.
Herb was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Additional Information
In lieu of flowers, donations in Herb’s memory may be directed to Hospice of Southwest Michigan, Trout Unlimited Kalamazoo Chapter or a charity of your choice.
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Sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this time. Enjoyed our visits
when we were in your area while working back East. If you ever get to Wyo.,
stop by. Love to visit with you.
All our love, Phillis and Dave.
Miss Judy & Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
The first time we met Herb, it was just like we had known him for years. Very kind, funny man.
May your many years of memories comfort
you during this difficult time.
Prayers & hugs,
David & Denise Miller
Sadly we have lost a very good friend. I met Herbie in 8th grade. We were locker buddies freshman year. The first time I went to his house a new Black Thunderbird was in the driveway, it was his dads. Right then I knew Herb and I were friends forever. Before Covid I was going to Healthtrac for water aerobics. Herb was there walking almost daily. We sat at the liers table regularly and told lies and made up stuff all the time. We laughed a lot and talked about those events during growing up years.
We miss you my friend.
Rest In Peace.
David
My sincere condolences to Judy and everyone who knew Herbie. I have so many fond memories of Herbie and Judy. We certainly had many laughs. May God surround you with His love, comfort, and peace during this very difficult time. Judy Gilchrist-Mohney, Stayton, Oregon.