M. Neil Spencer

M. Neil Spencer, 70, of Galesburg, died Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 7:18 p.m.

Neil was born May 28, 1945 in Galesburg, the son of Andrew and Helen Roberts Spencer.  Neil married Alice Wright on August 8, 1963 in Waukeegan, Illinois.  Neil is survived by his wife of 52 years, Alice; two sons, Nick (Sarah) Spencer of Marion, Illinois and Dustin (Becky) Spencer of Peoria, Illinois; one daughter, Kimberly (Kevin) Good of Leclaire, Iowa; and one brother, John (Bonnie) Spencer of Galesburg.  He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Matthew and Jessica Spencer, James and Mera Spencer, and Brendon, Chrystina, and Sydney Good; and six great grandchildren.  Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Spencer and Helen Thomas as well as one brother, Robert. 

Neil worked as a safety equipment salesman for several years, prior to becoming disabled.  After he became disabled Neil became a very active spokesman for people with disabilities.  Neil was a very active member of D.I.G.I.T. (Disabled Individuals Getting Together) along with several additional disabled organizations including the Illinois Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities. He was also a member of Bethel Baptist Church and A.B.A.T.E.  Neil was one of the founding members of Stone-Hayes in Galesburg.  He also designed and helped build many wheelchair ramps in Galesburg. 

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2016 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.  Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church or to A.B.A.T.E.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family atwww.watsonthomas.com.