October 20, 1953 – August 17, 2018
Thomas E. Spencer, Jr., 64, Greenfield, passed away on Friday afternoon, August 17, 2018 at Community Cancer Care North in Indianapolis. Born October 20, 1953 in Sheridan, he was the son of the late Thomas Eugene and Joan Alice (Rider) Spencer. Thomas was a 1972 graduate of Sheridan High School, where he was a member of the Blackhawks’ swim team.
A lifelong mechanic, Tom started learning the ropes as a youngster. His love affair with working on things started in the passenger seat of his dad’s semi, where he rode shotgun whenever his dad had close runs. Watching him do daily maintenance and pre trip inspections on the truck helped pique his interest. Since then, Tom spent a lifetime continuing the traditions of his father, keeping the world moving, one piece of equipment at a time. For the last seven years, he worked for Crown Lift Trucks in Plainfield as a mechanic, as well as working in the parts department.
Thomas had many interests in his life. Being a mechanic, Thomas was naturally geared toward an appreciation for classic automobiles. He always wanted to rebuild and restore a cool old car from scratch. He was a member of the Carmel Car Club. He also loved tinkering with his motorcycles and was a member of the Honda Gold Wing Riders Association. Thomas also had a passion for NASCAR. He followed the Earnhardts’ – both Sr. and Jr. – careers like a man on a mission. When he wasn’t tinkering around on things or watching a race, he loved to try to get in some fishin’.
One thing at which Thomas excelled was telling a story. You better have your high waters on because it could get pretty deep pretty quickly. He loved making people laugh and many of his quips did just that. The people he enjoyed entertaining the most were his family. Nothing else came before them in his world.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Katherine (Leppert) Spencer; his son Kyle E. Spencer (Mandy), Avon; aunt and uncle, Jim and Sue Spencer, Crawfordsville; his aunt, Pat Foster, Sheridan; and his canine BFF, Sassie. Thomas was also looking forward to the birth of his first grandchild, William Kyle.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Kevin Eugene Spencer; sister, Candice Jo Grider-Spencer; stepmother, Pauline Grider-Spencer; and by his Lhasa Apso, Casey.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 24, 2018 at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan. Private family services will be held at a later date, along with a private Burial at Spencer Cemetery in Sheridan. Thomas’s uncle, Jim Spencer, will be officiating.
Memorial contributions may be presented to either the A.S.P.C.A. or to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements
Calling: 4 to 8 p.m., Aug. 24
Location: Kercheval Funeral Home
Service: Private
Condolences: KerchevalFuneralHome.com