Ismael Spencer

El Paso, TX- Ismael Spencer died on Sunday, October 21, 2007, at Sierra Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Mr. Spencer was born July 4, 1917 in Presidio, TX the oldest child and only son of Manuel and Asuncion Spencer. He grew up in the Presidio area. During World War II he served as an Army medical aid man. He served in the Rome-Arno, North Apennines and Po Valley campaigns in Europe. He was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon and three Overseas Service Bars. After discharge from the Army he worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Mexico with the Hoof and Mouth Disease eradication program. He returned to Presidio to farm with his father. Mr. Spencer was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed several fishing trips with his sons, grandchildren, and friends. Preceding him in death are his parents, Manuel and Asuncion Spencer, a sister, Araceli and one son, John William. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elisa B. Spencer of Presidio, TX, and children, Norma E. Joachim and husband, Richard of EI Paso, TX, Dr. Jose A. Spencer and wife, Bernadette, of Katy, TX, Dr. Roberto R. Spencer and wife, Cynthia, of Denver, CO, Eduardo Spencer and wife, Martha, of Corpus Christi, TX, Joel W. Spencer and wife, Leticia, of Copperas Cove, TX. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Mr. Spencer is also survived by four sisters, Aurora Vaught, Antonieta Vasquez, Yolanda Ornelas, Maria Luisa Soza and husband Edmundo as well as numerous nephews and nieces. A viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 26th at Sunset Funeral Home-West. Another Rosary will be recited at Santa Teresa De Jesus Catholic Church in Presidio, TX on Sunday, October 28th at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, October 29th at 10 a.m. with burial following the Mass at Desert Hills Cemetery, north of Presidio. Father Fabian Marquez will celebrate the Mass. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to your favorite charity or Santa Teresa de Jesus Catholic Church, P.O. Box 2049, Presidio, TX 79845, in memory of Ismael Spencer. Arrangements in El Paso, TX are under the direction of Sunset Funeral Home, 480 N. Resler, El Paso, TX 79912 (915) 587¬4408 and in Presidio under the direction of Geeslin Funeral Home, 209 W. Sul Ross Ave., Alpine, TX 79831, (432) 837-¬2222.