Kenneth Wiley Spencer

Kenneth Wiley Spencer, 72, of Springdale, Ark., was born October 20, 1948, and departed this earth on October 1, 2021. He joins his parents Rees Spencer and Thelma, his brother Byron, and beloved hunting companion Bubba. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Linda, son Byron Spencer, daughter-in-law Melissa, grandchildren Blake and Grant of North Kansas City, Mo., daughter Sarah Faldon, son-in-law Mark, grandchildren Erin, Reese, and Scarlett of Springdale, Ark. Ken was an Eagle Scout, member of Order of the Arrow, graduated from Pocahontas High School, and proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the submarine USS Grayling (SSN 646) earning the rank of Quartermaster Second Class. Upon completion of his service, he attended and graduated from Arkansas State University with a degree in accounting. His career included time with Arkansas Power and Light, Banquet Frozen Foods, and the Arkansas Department of Education where he helped public schools with bookkeeping. Ken lived a life of service including many years as a scout leader in Batesville, Ark., where he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award - which recognizes scouts of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service. Ken had a deep appreciation for history and served for many years on the board that created the Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville. Upon retirement, Ken found great joy supporting veterans through the United States Submarine Veterans Incorporation (USS Snook Base), including three years as commander, serving on the board of the Bella Vista Wall of Honor, as treasurer of the Arkansas United States Submarine Veterans (USS Snook Base), a representative for the Northwest Arkansas Veterans Coalition and providing support for the Pea Ridge Veterans Memorial honoring submarines and sailors lost during World War II. Most recently, Ken was a founding board member of the Springdale Veterans Memorial Organization and was instrumental in the acquisition and renovation plans of Springdale's historic Fishback School in order to provide a new home for his church - Living Savior Lutheran Church. Ken's greatest acts of service came in his roles as son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He was dedicated to his family. Ken married the love of his life, Linda Troutman, after meeting her while on shore leave in Cape Canaveral, Fla. They went on only six dates before Linda agreed to marry him and move from Pennsylvania to Arkansas. They raised two children and instilled the same commitment to service and love of the outdoors. He moved his mother and later, his only brother, to Springdale, to help provide care for them in their later years. He was a proud grandfather who could always be counted on to provide love and support whenever asked. Ken will be remembered as a supreme storyteller with an exceptional ability to recall details of his time spent in the Navy and countless stories of the outdoors, the many road trips across the country (with short cuts that weren't actually that short) in pursuit of his goal to visit all 50 states, and the numerous hunting, camping, and fishing trips enjoying the beauty of Arkansas with friends and family. Family will greet and have fellowship from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, October 10, 2021 at J.B. Hunt Park, East Pavilion, 2003 Fleming Dr, Springdale, Ark., 72762. Graveside service will be 9:30 a.m., Monday, October 11, 2021 at Fayetteville National Cemetery under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home of Springdale. Pallbearers will be Byron Spencer, Mark Faldon, Jason Ernest, Mike Rainwater, Jeff Garrison. Honorary pallbearers will be Members of USS Snook Base - United States Submarine Veterans. Family requests that memorial donations can be made to the Springdale Veterans Memorial Organization, PO Box 8558, Springdale, Ark., 72766-8558 or Bo's Blessings, PO Box 8558, Springdale, Ark., 72766-8558. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.memorialfhspringdale.com.