Sloan Rhea Spencer was a belated Christmas gift to his parents Dorris and Sloan Spencer, coming into the world on December 26, 1936 in Hermiston, Oregon. His was a life dedicated to family and his Holy Savior, a life a hundred thousand words could never cover. If you were lucky enough to get one of his hugs, one of his sermons, or one of his jokes, then you knew everything you needed to know about this caring and insightful man.
He spent his school years in Hermiston, graduating high school in 1955. Soon after, Rhea joined the US Army where he was trained as a medic serving both stateside as well as in Japan, where he climbed Mount Fuji in 1957. After his military service, Rhea answered the call of our Holy Father and continued his quest to become an ordained minister – one that had him moving from California to Missouri. Along the way he played football and was “the” man on campus. But it was a young Mary Herbison that took him off the market for good. They slipped away from school October 30, 1961 to elope and began a beautiful lifetime together.
Rhea finished his studies at Ozark Bible College in Joplin, Missouri in 1978 and the family – now full with children Scott, Chris and Stephanie – headed back West to family and friends. He preached and taught over the next dozen years in churches across seven states before settling in Meridian in 1996.
The life of a small church preacher was busy and usually included a second job. From a suit-fitter and outstanding salesman at JC Penny, to working at a local newspaper in Arizona, Rhea always made sure the family was provider for.
Rhea and Mary have spent the last 55 years loving and supporting each other and their family. Together during all that life has to offer – the good, the challenging, the busy and the quiet – they have been a dynamic team and have touched the hearts of countless people.
Their family has grown to include 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, all in the Treasure Valley.
Rhea was a proud Christian husband and father whose desire was to see his children discover his same passion for Christ.
A service honoring Rhea will be held at 11am on Saturday, February 11 at Ten Mile Christian Church in Meridian.
Consider not what used to be
I’m sending happy smiles to you
as I enjoy eternity.
4 Comments
Wish I would have knows these things about him earlier. We also went to Ozark and my hubby was a preacher for 35 years. Guess I lost out by not getting to know him better. He was always a delight to see at church. A few years back I helped in Vacation Bible School and I was so impressed he was a team leader with a group of kids. He got right down on the floor with them. Delightful man who will be greatly missed.
So sorry Megan for you and family!
Forever in your heart. RIP
I never knew your Dad Scott. He sure was special. So sorry for your loss. Love to all Pattie and John
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