Richard Lee Spencer, age 82, of Payson Utah, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025. He was born on January 3, 1942, to Clifford “Bus” Spencer and Lucile Mae Houser, the oldest of 4 brothers. Richard has been a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandpa, great grandpa, and friend to many.

On June 29, 1968, Richard married his sweetheart, Connie Lee Gross. They were blessed with 4 children: John, Julie, Gary, and Debbie. Richard attended Peteetneet School (built 1901), and Payson High School, and excelled in his academics. He had a great sense of humor and brought joy to everyone he knew, and always put his family’s needs above his own.

Richard served 8 years in the national guard and did basic training at Fort Ord, California. He received the highest marksmanship award out of a company of 500 men.

He pursued his education in the field of pipefitting and welding. He finished at the top of his apprenticeship class and was awarded with a special internship to Purdue University.

Richard was a proud member of the Pipe Trades Union Local 57 (now local 140) for 53 years, where he made many life-long friends. He served as vice-president and was an E-Board member and helped with getting additional pension retirement benefits for the union members.

He had an incredible work ethic and passed the value of hard work to his family. His experience took him to many places including Alaska, Minnesota, Nevada, Wyoming, California, and Idaho. He worked on the Glen Canyon Dam and on many power plants in Utah.

Richard enjoyed many hobbies. He was an amazing gardener, and freely shared his harvest with family, friends, and neighbors. Richard and Connie shared a love of the outdoors. Camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing became annual family traditions. They took the family in the truck and camper on trips to the Little Sahara sand dunes, Jackson Hole Wyoming, and Yellowstone National Park. He was a member of the Cockleburr horse riding club and enjoyed moonlight rides and knew every peak and trail over the Nebo loop in Payson Canyon.

He had a keen interest in health and was very smart with herbs and vitamins. He liked fast cars, especially his red Pontiac. The famous Payson horse races in the grandstands was one of his favorites, along with 4 ^th of July fireworks at the racetrack.

Richard and Connie built the family home on the original 10-acre pioneer family homestead next door to his father’s home. They completed much of the construction and painting themselves. Once retired, much of his focus was taking care of his dear wife Connie.

Richard is survived by his 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 3 siblings Wayne, Neil, and Mark. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, son-in-law Carter Benson, and 2 great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Walker Funeral home located at 587 South 100 West in Payson, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Interment will be in Santaquin City Cemetery, 100 East 300 South, Santaquin, Utah.

Services will be streamed live.  To view, please return to this memorial/obituary page on Saturday morning, January 11, 2025 shortly before 11:00 a.m. and click on the link below (also at bottom of obituary, white arrow in red box):

Livestream