Max D. Spencer

January 31, 1935 - March 23, 2014

Max D. Spencer, age 79, of Freetown, passed away at 1:55 p.m. Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Meadow View Health and Rehabilitation Center, Salem. Max was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Brownstown. He retired from the U.S. Navy on November 12, 1973, after 20 years of service as chief petty officer and from the town of Brownstown and Hendricks Box Company in Brownstown. He was a member of Spurs and Wheels Saddle Club, the Hoosier Back Country Horsemen and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, Seymour. He received the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation, two National Defense medals, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and China Service award. He served aboard 10 ships and was on one tour of the Vietnam River Division 532. Born January 31, 1935, in Bartholomew County, he was the son of Paul and Irene Nicholson Spencer, both of whom preceded him in death. On July 5, 1974, at Tampico Christian Church, he married Joyce G. Lucas. She survives in Freetown. Other survivors include one son, Roger D. Spencer of Brownstown; one sister, Joan (Don) Johnson of Brownstown; one grandson, Lucas A. (Anna) Spencer of Freetown; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Paul Joseph Spencer. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Brownstown, with Pastor Jeff Patterson officiating. Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery, Brownstown, with military honors presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled American Veterans 47 and Vietnam Vets 7. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until time of service Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Meadow View Health and Rehab Resident Council Trust Fund, Hosparus-Southern Indiana or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.