James Oval Spencer

James Oval Spencer, 92, of Villa Ridge, died at 3:44 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion.

Mr. Spencer was born on Feb. 19, 1931, in Milltown, Ind., the son of James Oval and Erma Agnes Byerly Spencer.

Mr. Spencer served in the U.S. Air Force; he retired after 21 years as a tech sergeant. He served in Thailand and Vietnam. He was a member of Louis Phares American Legion Post No. 178 for 30-plus years. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Peggy Ann Spencer; sons Matthew and Phillip Spencer; five brothers and two sisters. 

Survivors include his son, George Spencer; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Spencer; a brother, Jesse Spencer; a grandson, James O. “Joby” Spencer, and other grandchildren; sisters Janice Montgomery and Delores; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were at noon Wednesday, Jan. 3, at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge. Pastor Mike Sharp officiated. 

Interment followed in the Mound City National Cemetery in Mound City. Full military honors were given by the U.S. Air Force burial team and area veterans. 

To sign the online guestbook, visit http://www.jones-funeral.com. 

Jones Funeral Home Villa Ridge was in charge of arrangements.