Kenneth Spencer

Santa Clarita ?- Kenneth R. Spencer, Jr. passed away on May 1, 2024 at the age of 95 years.
Ken was born on his family's farm in Kansas. After graduating from high school, he worked on the farm for several years until enlisting in the Air Force during the Korean War. After four years of service, he attended college on the G.I. bill, graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
During college, he met and married Barbara Coulter, which he often said was the best thing that ever happened to him. After graduation, Ken worked in engineering briefly in Texas, then transferred to Bakersfield, CA. In 1960, he joined Lockheed Aircraft Corporation in Burbank, CA as an engineer.
Ken enjoyed his 30-year career at Lockheed, working on projects including a submarine, the Polaris program, F-104 ground equipment program, the P-3B & C programs, and the S-3A. Ken spent the last twenty years of his career working on the Lockheed L-1011, a commercial jumbo jet he admired and of which he was proud. He was Group Engineer in charge of wiring diagrams, maintenance manuals and service bulletins.
An avid volunteer, Ken was a Cub Scout leader and an Indian Guide "Chief". Intrigued by the American West's history and art, he was a docent at the William S. Hart mansion and was on the board of the Friends of Hart Park, where he served as Secretary, then as President for three years. Ken was an Usher and Trustee of Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, where he was an active member. He was also an active member of Kiwanis for many years.
Ken enjoyed family time, travel and regular camping trips with family and friends. His many interests included golf, American West art, woodworking, and especially restoring and showing his 1924 Oakland coupe. After retirement, he loved his nearly daily coffee or breakfast with friends.
Ken is remembered for his warmth and his gentle spirit. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Barbara, two sons and two daughters: Tom Spencer (Donna) and Dan Spencer (Suzy), Kathleen Jochimsen (Bruce) and Margaret Spencer (Greg Brousseau); and his sister Lorna Spencer Hedges. Ken also leaves four grandchildren and two great grandsons. He will be greatly missed by his family.
A celebration of Ken's life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 2:00pm at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, 26640 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350. All friends and family are invited to attend.