Donald Ned Spencer passed away on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, in his family home in Solomon, Arizona where he resided for most of his 95 years. Donald was born on Aug. 21, 1926, in Bluffdale, Salt Lake County, Utah, to Ruben and Edna (Brown) Spencer.
He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a pioneer heritage. He was a student of the gospel and used his deep faith to guide his family. Don was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from June 1945 to October 1946, and was awarded a Victory Medal for his service during WWII. He served his mission in the Western States Mission February 1947-1949. He attended Brigham Young University (BYU), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and later earned a Master of Education degree in Education Administration. While at BYU he met the wonderful woman of his dreams, his wife and companion of 67 years, Fae Carpenter Spencer. They were married on Dec. 21, 1951.
After Don’s graduation, they moved to Blackfoot, Idaho, where he worked as Principal of Riverside Elementary School in the Snake River School District. He later moved to the Gila Valley, where he worked at Solomonville Elementary School teaching 4th – 7th grade and as the junior high basketball coach from 1955 – 1973. He then worked at Laugharn Elementary School, in Clifton, Arizona, from 1973-1974, moving to Eastern Arizona College as the Building Trades Instructor at Fort Grant, Arizona until his retirement.
Don and Fae raised seven children. Don is grandfather to 21 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 23 great-grandchildren and one more on the way.
Don was a life-long learner who had a sterling intellect and relentless dry wit. He left a legacy of inspiring and impacting his students, touching and uplifting many lives, and pointing them in a better direction. Don loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting with his sons and grandsons, and doing service projects. He shared his talents and time with many others in the church and community throughout his life with a sense of duty and loyalty, love and devotion. He enjoyed his church activity, always magnifying his callings, and serving as Sunday School President, Bishopric Counselor, Temple Ordinance Worker, High Priest Group Leader of Solomon Ward, and High Counselor of the Graham (Safford) Stake.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Fae Spencer; son, Brent Spencer; his parents, and many siblings.
Don is survived by six of his seven children, Douglas and Adrienne Spencer, Kirt Spencer, Randall and Christine Spencer, Kristi Spencer, Clint and Julie Spencer, Shelly and Tony Leek, and Cheryl Spencer (wife of Brent Spencer). He is also survived by his siblings, Melvin Spencer and Howard Spencer.
A public viewing will be held from 9 – 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Solomon Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the chapel. Interment following the service will be at the Hubbard Cemetery, 5400 N. Hubbard Cemetery Rd., Thatcher, Arizona.
Arrangements are being cared for by McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory located at 112 E.. Main St., Safford, Arizona, 85546, 928-428-1740, www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
