Windsor, VT – Stephen Maynard Spencer, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday September 23, 2019 at Elmwood Center in Claremont, NH.

He was born February 13, 1925 in Barre, VT, the eldest son of Stephen Theodore and Violet Ethel (Jaycox) Spencer.  Stephen's family moved to Windsor when he was a young boy where he gained a reputation as a hard and  trustworthy worker; delivering papers and helping at the bookstore on Main Street. He attended school in Windsor with the class of 1944 but enlisted in the Navy at age 17 to serve in World War II.  After the war, he returned to Windsor High School , graduating with the class of 1946,  where he met Nettie Merrill. They were married November 2, 1946 and celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary last year. After graduation, he began a forty year career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Windsor,  retiring in 1986 as a purchasing agent.  He was called back to the Navy during the Korean War. Stephen was very proud of his military service, especially his duties as a sonar technician, his station aboard the USS Rodman, and the fact that he became a "shellback" when he crossed the equator.

After retiring, the Spencers travelled extensively, visiting all fifty states and nearly all of the Canadian provinces, mostly in their motor home.  They spent winters in Punta Gorda, FL for over 25 years where they were active at Friendship Church and had many close friends and neighbors.  In more recent years, summers were spent at

Two Rivers Campground in Skowhegan, Maine.  where the seasonal campers treated them as family, helping in many ways and  making it possible for their camping days to continue.  The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for this kindness and love.

In Windsor, Stephen was very active in the community, serving on the school board and as a member of the American Legion, the Odd Fellows, the Elks and the PTA.  He was also a life long member of the Rachel S. Harlow United Methodist Church, and served as a lay minister,  treasurer, and was part of the men's group.

He was predeceased by brothers, Winston and Dalton Spencer and an infant brother Milford.

He leaves his beloved wife of nearly 73 years, Nettie, of Windsor; daughters, Linda Spencer Bania and husband Joseph of Center Rutland, VT, Nancy Spencer of Wachapreague, VA, and Marilyn Rabtoy and partner Darrel Willey of Windsor; a son Stephen Maurice Spencer and his wife Karen Halverson of Essex Jct., VT; grandchildren: Elizabeth, Joseph, Sean, Christopher, Sarah and Phoebe; six great grandchildren; and his brother David Spencer of Windsor. He is also survived by sister-in-law Claudine Spencer of Plainfield, NH, a brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law in Maine,  and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Sincere thanks from the Spencer family to the staff at Elmwood Center in Claremont, NH for the care given to Stephen, especially during the very difficult last week.

A funeral service will be held Saturday October 5 ^th at 1pm at the Rachel S. Harlow United Methodist Church, 165 Main Street, Windsor VT, with burial following in the Ascutney Cemetery in Windsor.  All are invited to join the family for fellowship and sharing memories of Stephen, at the Windsor Elks Club, 156 Main Street, immediately following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association.

Condolences to Stephen's family can be made in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com