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October 30, 2012

Warrant Officer 1 Richard D. Spencer

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FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Warrant Officer 1 Richard D. Spencer passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 24, 2012, while serving on active duty with the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Laura (Trosper) Spencer; and two children, Austin, 14, and Emma Grace, 12. Richard also is survived by his parents, Dale and Linda Spencer; and two sisters, Beth Bolser and Sheryl Spencer, all of Danville.

Richard was a devoted husband and father, sacrificing much in order to provide for his wife and children. His children were his world, and he was full of pride in all that they did. They remain the best part of him.

Richard served 15 years and four months with the U.S. Army. He graduated from Warrant Officer Candidate School in Ft. Rucker, Ala., in June of 2012. Chief Spencer’s deployments included a 2010 deployment to Afghanistan, two deployments to Iraq in 2008 and 2005, a NATO peace-keeping mission to Bosnia in 2002 and a tour in Korea in 1994. Among Chief Spencer’s awards included two Bronze Stars, a Combat Arms Badge for receiving enemy fire while deployed to Iraq and multiple commendations for his service to the Army.

Chief Spencer’s peers knew him as the ultimate professional soldier. He was known for his dependability to get any job done with the highest standards, and he often mentored other soldiers.

Richard’s wife and children would appreciate any thoughts and prayers over the next several months and years as they navigate this new life without him. He was a great source of laughter and love to them. Life will never be the same.

A service will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, in Danville. Burial will follow at Danville National Cemetery, where full military honors will be held. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, also at Sunset in Danville.

Donations may be made in honor of Richard to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors at www.taps.org, a program that supports families of fallen soldiers through peer mentorship, grief counseling and survivor benefits assistance.

Please join Richard’s family in sharing memories, photos and video of his life through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

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