Allen E. Spencer

Allen E. Spencer of Deford, age 90, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at his home, following a short illness. He was born April 23, 1925 in Gilford, the son of the late Frank & Hazel (Short) Spencer. Allen enlisted in the U.S. Army July 13, 1943 and served his country for the following three years. He was united in marriage with the former Donna Vincent on July 27, 1946 at the home of the Justice of the Peace in Vassar, and she survives him. In addition to his knowledge of farming, Allen had many talents. He began farming as a boy plowing with horses, and when he moved to Deford made sure there was a tractor so he didn't have to follow the horses. His first tractor was the beginning of the love of tinkering with tractors for himself and many others. Allen worked for Auten's Ford dealership in Cass City where he built their first wrecker unit that was transferred to other trucks as needed. He was a welder at Evans Products in Gagetown and was employed at the Michigan Sugar factory in the winter. Allen was a welder at Marlex Manufacturing, and also during his working career traveled to Brazil to help start a company there. He was a lifelong learner and always enjoyed reading when he could and also enjoyed hunting and fishing when he had the time. Allen is survived by his loving wife of nearly seventy years, Donna of Deford; seven children and their spouses, Gary & Marie Spencer of Frederic, Gloria Osentoski of San Antonio, Texas, Judy & Anthony Albin of Flint, Allen "Buddy" & Alice Spencer of Kingston, Johnny & Gerry Spencer of Deford, Ronald "Rusty" & Sherryl Spencer of Catawba, Wisconsin, and Debbie & Terry Fosdick of Pawpaw; twenty-four grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Frank and his wife, Ruth, Earl Spencer; and one sister, Joyce Young. In addition to his parents, Allen was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Lisa Marie Webb; four brothers, Donny, Jerry, Carl, and Glenn Spencer; two sisters, DonnaLee Volkers, Evelyn Richards; and half-brother, Clarence Spencer; and half-sister, Iva Thayer. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro. Burial with military honors under the auspices of the Caro American Legion Post #7 and the United States Army will follow at Novesta Township Cemetery, Cass City. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Spencer Family Discretionary Fund, c/o Donna Spencer, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723. Visitation Information Date: Tuesday, December 29, 2015 Time: 3:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 Time: 11:00 am Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro.