Larry Spencer

Larry A. Spencer, 83, of Yakima died Monday, November 17, 2025, in Yakima.
Larry was born in Seattle on April 22, 1942, to Kenneth and Mary (Fisher) Spencer. He graduated from West Valley High School in 1960. After high school he attended Washington State University in Pullman. While attending WSU he reconnected with Rose Marie Bowden whom he had known for many years. They married in their senior year on December 30, 1963. He graduated from WSU in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. After graduation Larry and Rose moved to Portland Oregon where they began their family.
Larry worked as an Insurance Adjuster while living in Oregon. Larry and Rose decided to return to Yakima in 1974 to raise their family and both joined the family business, Bowden's Auto Parts. He worked there for 12 years as a salesman/manager. He finished his career at P&F Automative Warehouse, in Yakima.
After 33 years together, Larry lost his wife Rose in 1996. He later married Barbara (Eakman) Spencer in 2003, sharing 18 years until her passing in 2021. In his final year, Larry found a caring companion in Jan Forest, who supported him until his passing.
Larry has been an active member of the Elks for over 60 years. He became a Life Member of the Elks in 2008. He led the Yakima Elks Lodge #318 as Exalted Ruler from 2005 to 2007 and he served as the lodge secretary for multiple years. Larry was the Washington State Elks Association President, 2013-2014. He took pride in his many leadership roles within the Yakima Elks. He enjoyed traveling to many of the western states attending Elks gatherings and conferences, connecting with friends around the country.
Larry was a devoted husband and father. Family was important to him and loved big family gatherings. He also enjoyed family travel, playing golf, wine tasting and reading books.
Larry is proceeded in death by his parents Kenneth and Mary Spencer-Carlton. His wife Rose in 1996 and Barb in 2021.
Larry is survived by his three daughters and their husbands, Suzy and Bill Dalton of Bellevue, WA, Cindy and Tom Gower of Longview, WA, and Becky Spencer of Kirkland, WA. His grandchildren Nicole Dalton of Bellevue, WA, Matthew Dalton of Spokane, WA, Victoria (Gower) and Elijah Heston of Winlock, WA, and Heather Gower of Longview, WA.
There will be a viewing at Shaw & Sons funeral home on Sunday November 30th from 3 to 5 pm. The funeral service will be on Monday December 1st at 10 am also at Shaw & Sons, followed by a grave side service at Tahoma Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the Washington Elks Therapy Program for Children. Make checks out to WSEA Children's Therapy Program. Be sure to specify in Memory of Larry Spencer. Mail to PO Box 110760, Tacoma, WA 98411. Or donate online at https://waelks.org/programs/therapy/.
Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at shawandsons.com.