Benny Spencer

Benny Spencer, age 78, of Westphalia, Kansas passed from this life on Friday, January 19, 2024, at his home surrounded by family.

Benjamin Floyd Spencer was born in Iola, Kansas, on March 14, 1945. He was the second of three children born to Byrl David Spencer and Dorothy Gladys (Colgin) Spencer. They made their home on a farm northeast of Westphalia, where Benny lived his entire life.

Benny attended grade school at Maple Grove, a small country school one mile north of home. He graduated as Salutatorian from Westphalia High School in 1963. Benny then went to Iola Junior College, participating in basketball, cross country and competed on their track team in high jump. He excelled in track and field, winning many awards. Benny received his Associate of Arts Degree there in 1965, he then received his B.S. Magna Cum Laude in civil engineering in 1968, then his Master's Degree in civil engineering in 1969, both from Kansas State University. After graduating from K-State Benny enlisted in the US Navy. He completed Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, on December 19, 1969. Benny rose to the rank of Lieutenant and traveled extensively while in the Navy. One of his highlights was a visit to the South Pole, during a deployment to Antarctica as a lead officer of the team to inspect the nuclear reactor.

After his service, he returned to the farm in 1973 and spent the rest of his life doing what he loved, farming and soil conservation work. He lived to help others. Benny was the fourth of six generations to farm in Kansas. His work in the soil conservation field was well known and respected in the area and surrounding counties.

He enjoyed getting out and hiking in the country. He walked the complete Appalachian Trail twice and the American Discovery Trail from coast to coast. He also walked the Prairie Spirit Trail at least 20 times and numerous others. In November 2022, he was a part of the Southern Coffey County Honor Flight to Washington, DC, accompanied by his great niece, Madeline. Benny enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and their families. He was generous with his time and was willing to help in whatever way he could.

Benny is survived by his sister, Helen Elliss and husband Norman; his brother, Raymond Spencer and fiancee Debi; nieces and nephews, David Elliss and Louise, Dena McDaniel, Darren Elliss and Rose, Denita White and Robert, Michael Spencer and Dana, Alyson Gonzalez and SGM Antonio, Amy Burkdoll and Cody, and Jason Spencer and Brenda; 24 great nieces and nephews; and seven great great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Patty Spencer; and great nephew, Brit Burkdoll.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial with military honors will follow in the Cherry Mound Cemetery, Westphalia. Benny's family will greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Cherry Mound Cemetery or Southern Coffey County Honor Flight and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .