Artie James Spencer, age 86, was born March 2, 1935 in Marshfield, Missouri and passed on to his Heavenly Father on November 1, 2021. Artie was the 6th born child of Lovel Wilbur Spencer and Pearl Agnes Spencer (nee Aldrich). Artie is preceded in death by his brothers Wilbur Lovel (age 3), Ross Maynard and wife Jo, Richard Harold and wife Grace, Noel Vincent and wife Ruth and their sister Joyce Louise.

Artie and Mary were united in marriage on June 26, 1954 and to this union were born a son, James David and a daughter, Kathy Jo. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Artie accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at age 28 and he raised his children to love and follow the Lord. His love for God was evident in everything he did. Artie and Mary are members of Crossway Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri.

Artie loved to build and create. Over the years of their marriage, he and Mary built six houses together to live in. He designed the plans and did most of the work himself. His homes were acts of love to his wife and family. Artie also loved clocks and built a grandfather clock and rebuilt many others. His weekly routine of winding the clocks was a familiar sight around the house. Artie also loved to travel and just get in the car and go. As a result, he and Mary have visited most of the contiguous United States and Mary has many stories to tell, as Artie was the quiet one.

Artie's favorite time of life was probably the years he built the farm. He built a beautiful two story farmhouse, then a barn to store his beloved tractor. Mary often said that if he could bring that tractor into the house, he would! He loved his cows and had a special cow named 'No Name', who would steal his handkerchief out of his pocket and dance just out of reach with it dangling from her mouth, begging him to chase her. In his later years, he enjoyed sitting with his grand-dog on his lap.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Mary Jo Spencer (nee McCollough); his son James David and wife Pam; his daughter Kathy Jo Friberg and husband David;

grandchildren: Jonathan and wife Tea, Nathan and wife Shelby, Katrina and husband Jake. and great-grandchildren Duane, Dexter and Guinevere. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of Artie's life will be held on Friday, November 5, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, in the Chapel at Libertylive.church in Hampton, Virginia. Services will be live streamed at Libertylive.church/livestream. Livestream will begin about 5 minutes before services begin.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a memorial donation be made toward Missions in Artie's name to Crossway Baptist Church, 2900 N Barnes, Springfield, Missouri, 65803. Please include Artie Spencer/Mission gift, on the memo line.