The Rev. John H. Spencer, 69, of Clearfield died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014 at the UPMC Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born March 22, 1945, a son of the late Howard and Blanche (Read) Spencer.
Mr. Spencer retired as minister of the First Baptist Church in Ridley Park, where he served for 24 years.
He had an extensive educational background by earning a Bachelor’s degree from Lehigh University, a Master’s degree from the Maxwell School of Government at Syracuse University and a Master’s of Divinity from the Gordon-Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts.
A native of Clearfield, Mr. Spencer became very involved in many church and social activities, as well as active in numerous community affairs. He also had a love for sports cars and science fiction.
He was a charter member of the Porch Sitters Union Local No. 101 and helped with the organization of the Hoodie Hoo Day celebration in Clearfield. He was an ordained deacon and member of the Presbyterian Church, Clearfield, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge No. 540, Clearfield.
He is survived by his fiancée, Jane Lee Woolridge Yare of Clearfield; his niece, Jennifer A. Himes Bush and her husband, Eric of Clearfield; two grand-nephews, Johnathan and Matthew Bush of Clearfield; and a brother-in-law, John Himes of Curwensville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Julia A. Himes.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Presbyterian Church, Clearfield, with the Rev. J. Robert Mellgard and the Rev. Ed De LaCour co-officiating.
Friends will be received from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Monday at the church.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to charity of the donor’s choice.
The Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, is in charge of arrangements.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.
