WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Herbert D. Spencer, Jr. passed away October 24, 2021 at the age of 74 at Glenn Arbor in Battle Creek after a battle with cancer. He was born in Three Rivers 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, and 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 Corporation.
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 National 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.
A memorial will be held Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. Interment will be conducted at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.
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.
