Donald Spencer Obituary
MANITO ~ Donald DeWayne "Don" Spencer, 81, of Manito, passed away at 4:04 a.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at his home. Born May 27, 1936 in Pike County to Charles Russell and Pauline Maxine (Eckelberger) Spencer, he married Mary Joanne Rakestraw on June 12, 1954 in Springlake. She preceded him in death on December 3, 2014 in Pekin.
He also was preceded in death by his parents; one son, David Spencer; one sister, Jackie Allen; and one brother, Billy Spencer. Surviving are one son, Allen (Cheryl Hill) Spencer of Pekin; two daughters, Paula (Eric) Clark of Pekin and Rhonda Morris of Manito; six grandchildren, Corey (Trish) Pettie, Alex (Rachel Hayes) Larson, Jera Pettie, Cassie (Mike) Thomas, Blain Hill and Mitchell Hill; six great-grandchildren, Drake, Cori Lynn and Spencer Pettie, Blayk and Jaylyn Thomas and Cash Roberts; four sisters, Sharon (Russell) Forbis, Shirley (Danny) Gillett, Carolyn Drowns and Ruth (Tim Bacon) Spencer; and one brother-in-law, Jerry Allen.
In his younger years, Don was the President of the Pekin Motorcycle Club in the late 1950"s. He was an avid car and motorcycle enthusiast, a skilled mechanic and talented wood worker. He loved to share his talents by teaching others. He was known for sharing his catch of the day at family fish frys. Don's grandchildren were his life and he cherished time spent with them.
Don had worked for Caterpillar, Inc. in Mapleton as a heat treat operator, retiring in 1987 after 31 years of service. Cremation rites will be accorded. The family will host a celebration of Don's life on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at Fergie's Pub (Manito Winery) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is in charge of arrangements.
