Bradford N. Spencer

Bradford Neal Spencer, age 57, of Sunrise Beach, Missouri and formerly of Topeka, Kansas, died on June 4, 2007 at Lake Ozark, Missouri. Brad, the son of Godfrey Melville "Bud" and Muriel Jean "Becky" Spencer, was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas. Brad graduated from Topeka West High School in 1967. He achieved the ranking of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. Brad was a 1972 graduate of Baker University with a bachelor's degree in music education. He taught elementary music education in Topeka schools for two years. As a young man, Brad began working for his father's business, Ernest-Spencer, Inc. He made this his life's career and was instrumental in expanding the business into an international construction and manufacturing company. Brad was a member of the Lake Ozark Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Lake Ozark, Missouri.

Brad was an avid boater and fisherman. He loved nature and especially the water. Brad made it a yearly tradition to travel abroad with his wife, father, son and numerous friends for the thrill of the big catch. He especially loved the Athabasca Fishing Lodge in Northern Canada. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends at his home at the Lake of the Ozarks. The highlight of anyone's trip to the Spencer home at the Lake was an excursion on Brad's 560 SeaRay, the Yachtsman II, with Captain Brad at the helm. Brad loved being a father and took much pride in watching his children grow. Brad left an impression on all those who knew him and will be deeply missed by many.

Brad is survived by his wife of 17 years, Sharon Kay Spencer, of the home; his son and daughter-in-law, Neal and Cora Spencer and grandchildren Elsie and Layla; daughter and son-in-law, Janelle and Keith Williamson and an expected grandson, all of Topeka, Kansas; and his former wife and mother of his children, Elaine Minter of Olathe, Kansas. Other survivors include his parents, Bud and Becky Spencer of Topeka, Kansas; sister and brother-in-law Beverly and Gary Diaz, Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister and brother-in-law Barbara and John King, Ponca City, Oklahoma; brother and sister-in-law Douglas and Laurie Spencer, Orlando, Florida; step-son and wife Brian and Heather Norton, Harveyville, Kansas; step-grandchildren Dustin and Kayleigh Norton, Mesa, Arizona; and step-son and step-granddaughter Dan and Skieler Norton, Baldwin City, Kansas. He is preceded in death by his second wife, Mary Spencer.

Brad will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas on Thursday, June 7th after 12:00 noon. Family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 SW 21st St, Topeka, Kansas on Friday, June 8th at 10:00 a.m. Internment will immediately follow at the Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum at 6th & Gage, Topeka, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 SW 21st St, Topeka, Kansas, 66604 or Lake Ozark Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 1560 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, Missouri, 65049. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.