Obituary of Jesse Elden Spencer

Jesse Elden Spencer Jr., age 94, passed away Friday, March 22, 2019, at Texoma Medical Center, Denison, TX.  Mr. Spencer was a retired Professor of History from Texarkana College and served in World War II as a medic and saw combat in the Battle of Okinawa. He received the Bronze Battle Star for his combat action in Okinawa.  He was born, August 23, 1924, in Paris, Texas to Jesse and Mildred Spencer. His parents; his wife; Emma Spencer; and a brother, Gordon Spencer preceded him in death.

After the war, Elden entered Texas Christian University, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in History.  He later earned his Masters Degree from Texas Christian University.

Elden began a lifelong career in the teaching field, first teaching junior high history in Clarksville and later at Clarksville High School.  In 1959, he began teaching history at Texarkana College.  Elden was beloved by his students and retired after fifty years of teaching.  He was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Clarksville, where he served as an Elder.  He was a founding member of the Red River County Historical Society and volunteered his efforts to help start the Red River County Public Library.  Mr. Spencer was a long time member of the Clarksville Cemetery Association.  Elden's interests were varied from his keen interest in history, especially Texas and Red River County history, to opera, art, family genealogy and dogs.

The family will receive friends one hour before service time at Clarksville Funeral Home.

Funeral services are set for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Lindeman Chapel of Clarksville Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Clarksville Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home.

Survivors include 2 sons, Keith Larey of Sherman, Texas and David Larey of Hilo, Hawaii; 3 grandchildren, Kevin Larey and wife, Angela of Gretna, Louisiana, Denise Gonzales and husband, Adrian of Fort Dix, New Jersey and Cameron Larey of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 2 great grandchildren, Anabelle Larey of San Antonio, Texas and Adrian Gonzales II, of Fort Dix, New Jersey; a sister-in-law, Martha Howard and husband, Wilbur of Texarkana, Arkansas; and a niece and nephew, Heather and John Howard of London, UK.