Leland Gene Spencer Jr.

Leland G. Spencer, Jr., born February 26, 1940, died on June 10, 2023. He was the son of the late Leland Spencer, Sr., and Sarah Spencer Murphy and grandson of Maude Spencer. He is predeceased by his grandparents, parents, daughter Amy Lynn Spencer, and brothers Wayne and Jay Spencer. He is survived by loving wife of 61 years, Diane Shipbaugh Spencer, son Lee (Tammy) Spencer III, grandson Leland Spencer IV (Jason Rutledge), siblings Terry (Mary Ann) Spencer, Donna (George) Patton, Anita Solvey, Beverly (Raymond) Hannah, Kathy (Dan) Smith, sisters-in-law Jan and Arlene Spencer, great-grandchildren Nikolas, Oliver, and Clover, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He retired in 1988 after 22 years as a police officer for the City of North Canton, having previously served as a member of the military police in the U.S. Army. In retirement, he kept busy with jobs as a church youth director, a courier, a reporter for the North Neighbor News, and a truancy officer.

He was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church, a charter member at the time of its founding as Grace Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1961. He and Diane were the first couple to have a wedding there—in February of 1962. Over the years, in addition to his work as youth director, he held every possible service role at the church, including historian, trustee, Sunday school teacher, puppet team co-director, bell ringer, and several others. He was also involved in leadership in youth ministry and men’s ministry throughout the wider United Methodist Church, traveling across the state and country for conferences, seminars, and retreats.

His hobbies included gardening and yard work, model trains, and traveling. He visited at least 45 of the 50 U.S. states over the years. More than anything, he loved time with family—monthly dinners with his siblings, family reunions and holiday parties, and more routine visits were a priority for him. Such events offered him captive audiences for his enduring sense of humor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leland’s memory to Wishes Can Happen (https://wishescanhappen.org/home/get-involved/donate-to-wishes-can-happen/) or to Grace United Methodist Church (https://northcantongrace.org/online-giving/). Friends may call on Friday, June 16, at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home, from 4:00-7:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 17 at 11:00 am, at North Canton Grace United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Jared Williams officiating.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.karlofh.com for the Spencer family.