Kenneth L. Spencer

Sept. 17, 1923-Oct. 14, 2010

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Kenneth L. Spencer, 87, died Thursday (Oct. 14, 2010), at Community Hospital.

Kenneth was born on Sept. 17, 1923, in McCook to Ira T. and Lula I (Drain) Spencer. He graduated from McCook High School in 1941. He continued his education at McCook Junior College where he was a member of the football team.

He was united in marriage to Delphine Mines on Aug. 12, 1944, and to this marriage five children were born.

On May 20, 1976, he was united in marriage to Stannis (Clark) Bosley in Trenton, Nebraska. He was the owner and operator of Southwest Sales and Service which is now known as Southwest Implement.

As a boy and young man he worked at the Safeway Store. At the age of 39, he was the recipient of the Young Farmer's Award. He was a private pilot and was known as one of the Flying Farmers. He was active in the 4-H program. He raised purebred Angus cattle and raised quarter horses. He sponsored and coached girl's softball, sang in the barbershop quartet, loved to bowl, play cards and spend time with his family. In later life, he enjoyed working at Achievement Plus Trophy Store. Kenneth was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church for more than 59 years, McCook Elk's Lodge, Southwest Nebraska and Nebraska Angus Association, and served on the Fair and Coop Boards.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ira and Lula Spencer; and sister, Colleen.

Survivors include his wife, Stannis Spencer of McCook; children, Vicky and husband, Arlie Nelson of Culbertson, Nebraska, Kendra and husband, Robb Watson of Red Cloud, Nebraska, Tami Thomas and special friend, Philip Malleck, Robert Spencer and wife, Gloriann and Roderick D. Spencer and wife, Deborah, all of Culbertson, Claudia and husband, Dexter Potter of Hill City, Kansas, Patricia Sanchell of McCook, Beth and husband, Steve Messersmith of Curtis, Nebraska, Paula and husband, Bill Davis of McCook, and Jerri and husband, Richard Collicott of Culbertson; 31 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; niece, Janet Hepp and husband, Gregg of McCook; and other numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Memorial services were today at 10:30 a.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Lance Clay officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangement.