Farrell Gordon (Spence) Spencer, 80, died March 20, 1995 at his home in Heber City, Utah.
Born July 9, 1914 in Milan, Missouri to Gordon Brown and Iva May Jennings Spencer. Married Etheawin Carroll November 12, 1938 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She died February 28, 1994.Raised by his grandmother, Carolyn Brown Spencer on a farm in Missouri. Valued education, particularly American History. As a young man joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) which brought him to Utah. Served during World War II in the Navy Seabees and also in the Korean conflict, for a total of three and a half years. Experiences learned from the CCC's qualified him for an occupation in auto body and fender repair. Worked for Heber Motor Company. Opened his own repair shop in July 1947. Started a car dealership in 1954, selling DeSoto and Plymouth automobiles and later added Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep franchise. Respected and successful businessman for nearly 48 years in the same location. Always number 1 in the local sales market. Won numerous awards. A good friend once said, "Spence's business successes are parallel to the American Dream. He was the epitome of the self-made man." Served on the city planning commission. Gave generous donations to various local civic organizations. Donated first Driver Ed car for Wasatch County School District. Sponsored driver ed courses, athletic teams, Boy Scouts and rodeo sponsorship. Lived his life by the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Avid and well known team bowler right up until day before his death.
Survived by children, Gordon D. and Sharon Spencer, Heber City; Carolyn and Larry D. Finnegan, Bellevue, Wash.; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Eunice Knifong, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; stepsisters, Lahoma Hall, Betty Wiley, and Velma Wiley, all of Oklahoma. Preceded in death by daughter, Gay S. Kathrein.
Funeral services will be Thursday, at 11 a.m., in the Heber 3rd Ward chapel, 240 East 400 South. Friends may call at Olpin Mortuary Wednesday 6-8 p.m. and at the church one hour prior on Thursday. Interment, Heber City Cemetery.
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