Houston E. Spencer Obituary (1945 - 2011)

Houston Earl Spencer, 66, peacefully passed away August 25th while in the company of his beloved wife and soul mate, Marilyn, after a valiant long battle with heart disease. Houston was born January 18, 1945 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and raised in Winfield, Louisiana and Phoenix, Arizona. He joined the Navy in 1962, and was part of the honor guard for President Kennedy's visit to China Lake Naval Station. He served on the Kitty Hawk Aircraft Carrier during the Vietnam War. Houston was a contractor during the 1970's in Palm Springs/Palm Desert area where he built subdivisions, shopping centers, college campus buildings, and much more. He enjoyed telling the stories about constructing a security area at President Ford's home, as well as working for a number of celebrities. He owned a small ranch in Garner Valley, California, and loved his horses and raising small farm animals. Houston moved from Phoenix to Wickenburg about 10 years ago where he met Marilyn who was a Montana snowbird. They were friends first, and then struck by sweet love in the autumn of their years. The next 4-1/2 years together were tender and loving, and Houston blossomed with his sweetheart by his side. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, and Sundays always found them hand in hand at the services. The friendship and support of St. Alban's parish brought Houston much comfort and happiness in the company of people who loved him. Houston loved nature, animals, fishing, and RV-ing with Marilyn to Washington, Montana, and the mountains of California where he visited new friends, picked blackberries, and helped on ranch projects as he could. He and Marilyn returned twice to the Mogollon Rim, and drove down to Cherry Creek where he had lived for two years in the 1980's while trying to recover his health. He enjoyed browsing thrift stores and yard sales, and was an avid reader of Western novels. Watching the many different birds that visited his patio brought him a lot of enjoyment, and he filled a favorite tree with many wind chimes that became a chorus in the breeze. Houston was a kind, loving husband with a gentle smile who daily told Marilyn how much he loved her. He was a gift and inspiration to those that knew him these past four and a half years as he flourished and loved. He is also survived by his loving son, Tom and grandchildren Jeremy, Christopher, Thomas and Amanda, and grandson Ryan Spencer-Boothby. Houston was always excited when he visited them annually in Vancouver, Washington. He also has two great-grandsons, Bradley and Anthony. Houston is also survived by his dogs, Jack and Peaches, who he spoiled daily and encouraged a lot of foolish fun from. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the fall. Donations may be made in Houston's Honor to the Memorial Fund at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Wickenburg.