SPENCE, Robert L.

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, March 24, 2012 Robert L. Spence Free at last, free from pain at last. Robert L. Spence, a charter member of the greatest generation, slipped the surly bonds of this earthly life and ascended to the next, there to be reunited with his wife, Betty, and daughter Patty. Born Dec. 7, 1920, in Los Angeles, Calif., he grew up in the Valley and graduated from North Hollywood High School. He then enlisted in FDR's CCC to help support his mother and sister. Before enlisting in the Army Air Corps, Bob married Betty June Woods on Dec. 25, 1942. That marriage would last 56 years. As a B-24 crewmember, he flew 13 combat missions with the 15th Air Force. On his last mission, his aircraft was damaged by enemy flak over the oil fields of Plosti, Romania. Forced to bail out over Yugoslavia, the entire crew survived and were back in allied territory 32 days later. After the war, Robert and Betty settled in Sun Valley, Calif., and built a house where they raised and educated their two children. Bob became an apprentice plumber, then master, and finally started a small contracting business. They instilled a strong work ethic and development of moral character in their children's lives. They always worked hard, spent wisely and saved diligently. Bob pursued his passion of flying and purchased a Taylorcraft, then a Stinson. In the early 1970s, they relocated to Arizona and built a house in Diamond Valley. Bob continued to enjoy hunting, fishing and camping. He tried his hand at wood/leather crafts, photography and playing the guitar. His four grandchildren will also never forget those memorable trips in the Winnebago. Bob leaves behind a son, Jim Spence; daughter-in-law Martha Spence; four grandchildren, Brian and Danny Schreckenbach and Nancy and Mark Spence; and son-in-law Pat Schreckenbach. The family wishes to thank Good Samaritan Hospice and Autumn Season - in particular, Tammy and Carrie. A special thanks to Bob's good friend, Tim. His countless acts of kindness will forever be remembered. Information provided by survivors.