John M. Spencer

John M. Spencer, 89, of Ashland, passed away Saturday morning, November 23, 2019 at Embassy Crystal Care in Ashland.
John was born in Ashland on April 21, 1930 to the late Clarence and Anna Glorine (Koch) Spencer. He has lived in Ashland his entire lifetime and was a graduate of Ashland High School class of 1948.
He had worked as a tool and die maker for General Motors Corporation in Ontario retiring after 35 years of service.
He was a member of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church, an adult Sunday school class at the church, the National Rifle Association and Ducks Unlimited. He was an assistant boy scout leader and later became the boy scout leader of his church’s boy scout troop. In his younger years he enjoyed riding motorcycle’s and going to mud runs. He liked to go target shooting with friends and would also target shoot on a competitive level, and going duck hunting with his childhood friend, Gaylord Abrams.
On October 23, 1950 John married his high school sweetheart, Norma J. Witmer. The couple celebrated 69 years of marriage this past October.
He is survived by his wife, Norma J. Spencer of Ashland, two children, Stephen (Theresa) Spencer of Cincinnati, OH; Sharon (Don) Phelps of Marion, OH; five grandchildren, Spencer (Heather) Phelps, Kimberly Phelps, Kristin (J.R.) Austin, Ashley (Kurtis) Smith and Brittany (Steve) Shotte; 9 great grandchildren, Madelyn, Kayden, Reagan, Connor, Taelynn, Kynndall, Kannon, Jackson & Emry; a brother, David Spencer of Ashland; a sister-in-law, Charlene Spencer of Mansfield; a niece Tracy (Terry) Bechtler and a nephew Michael Spencer.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert Spencer and a nephew Robert Spencer Jr.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home with the Rev. Jeff Coggins officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 322 Cleveland Ave., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
For those not able to attend, expressions of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting denbowfh.com.