Daryl James Spencer

Daryl James Spencer, 75, of Baroda, died peacefully, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in the presence of his family.

His life began August 20, 1948, in Harrisburg, Arkansas, the youngest of five children born to Velbert and Vivian Spencer.  He married Elizabeth “Ann” Buller December 23, 1977, in St. Johns Church, Three Oaks.

Daryl was a graduate of River Valley Schools.  He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, returning to his continued employment with Bendix/Allied Signal in St. Joseph until retirement in 1996. He was proud to serve as a reserve police officer in Three Oaks and Galien.  Daryl had a passion for airplanes, from building to collecting model airplanes to becoming a student pilot, even taking solo flights. In the earlier days of marriage, he and Ann enjoyed traveling and dancing. After retirement, he enjoyed mowing and taking care of lawns for himself and his neighbors. He genuinely enjoyed offering to assist his neighbors, by mowing lawns. Daryl had a wicked and fun sense of humor.                        

Daryl will be greatly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-seven years, Ann Spencer of Baroda; son, James Anthony Spencer of North Carolina; daughter-in-law, Shannon Spencer of North Carolina; grandson, Caleb; beloved puppy, Daisy May; sisters-in-law, Yolanda Buller of Battle Creek, Darlene “DeeDee” Buller of Three Oaks; brother-in-law, Albert (Janet) Buller of Battle Creek; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Eldean Johnson, Linda Purtha; brothers, Edward Spencer, Carl Spencer; father and mother-in-law, Albert Sr. and Lillian Buller; sisters-in-law, Ellen Spencer, Katie Spencer; brothers-in-law, Neal Greer, Frank Johnson, Victor Purtha, Dennis Buller, Sr., Robert Buller, Sr., infant, Delbert Buller.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11:00 a.m. in Real Life Community Church, 12 Michigan Street East, Three Oaks.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of West Woods of Bridgman for their excellent care and concern for Daryl.  They would also like to express gratitude to his niece Debbie Spencer, for her tremendous support and care during his illness.

Ann extends a heartfelt thank you to her close friends Lynne Keefer and Tommi Peterson for supporting her in Daryl’s final hours, and Marcia Sherrill, Connie Smith, Candice Conley, and Beth Ann Jimerson for always being there for her.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Daryl be made to the Michiana Humane Society, 722 IN 212, Michigan City, Indiana 46360 or to Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 North Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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