Phillip Gene Spencer

Phillip was born November 30, 1939, to Ova “Obie” and Dema (Treadway) Spencer. He loved his heritage and had fond memories of his childhood, he loved spending time with his friends and family and was especially proud of his father being a retired Kokomo Police officer, who stood at 6’6”. He was a graduate of Kokomo High School in 1957 and went on to serve in the United States Navy, having fond memories of his time on the USS Ranger aircraft carrier. He later was stationed in Okinawa, Japan where his daughter Rene’ was born. He was on a bowling team in Okinawa and in the US for Delco Electronics, where he was employed as an electrician for 36 years after his time in the Navy. He became an avid bow hunter as well as owned and operated Broken-Bo Archery in Kokomo and Russiaville Indiana where he patented the first LED hunting site called the Opti-Site.  He also was a member of the Professional Archery Association for many years winning tournaments all over the US. He also started an Archery Explorer Post 1279 where he mentored youth and formed a traveling tournament team. He was a member of Issac Walton and Galveston Archery League. He also enjoyed wood carving later in life.

In 1976 Phil met the love of his life Shirley Plummer and were married Feb 14, 1977. Together they had a blended family and moved from Center Road to the property they called Bolero on the Little Wild Cat Creek in Russiaville Indiana. They together built a cord wood building which housed Broken-Bo Archery. Bolero was their sanctuary where they accepted Jesus in 1985, committing themselves to full time ministry, traveling to places like Russia, Romania, Mexico, and Jamaica. They together started a church Spirit Wind Ministries where they developed teachings, with a passion to see people young and old find their giftings and calling in life. They both had associate degrees in theology and had several prison ministries. One such member of their congregation had a passion to feed people not only spiritually, but physically where she was allowed to operate Soul Food Café at their church on the corner of Webster and Deffenbaugh. They were active in Women’s Aglow in Kokomo, and they had a tv program for a while called “Prepare the Way” which was filmed in Indianapolis. There are many stories of people who God touched through their ministry.

Phillip had two daughters, Rene’ (Curtis) Spivey, Nanette (Michael) Walker, and two bonus daughters, Valerie (Edward)Little, Kimberly (Reid) Crow. He has three grandchildren Jesse (Amanda) Crow, Jacob Crow, Alex Spivey, and a great-granddaughter Eliana Crow who loved sharing snacks with great grandpa.

Kim and Nanette had to sell their dad’s home after the death of his beloved wife Shirley. He was a resident at Waterford- The Legacy where he lived for almost three years. Phil was a beloved husband, dad, papaw, and great grandpa who was surrounded by loving family, and a caring team at Waterford along with Paradigm Health Hospice Service where he transitioned to his to his forever home. He would use the military term “bingo” multiple times, which has various meanings, but the one meaning I like is “it is time to go home”, well dad you had your final “bingo”. Rest well dad, papaw and great grandpa. We love you!

Phillip was proceeded in death by his parents, Ova and Dema Spencer(Cox), his wife Shirley Spencer, his sister Carol Coate, his daughter and son-in law Rene’(Curtis) Spivey, Son-in-law Michael Walker, and many of his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Assoc Indiana chapter alz.org/Indiana or food4souls.org which is a faith-based organization which provides hot meals to the homeless, clothing, hygiene products, as well as Bombas Socks.

A funeral service celebrating Phillip’s life will take place at 11am, Friday, January 30, 2026, Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Rev. Reid Crow officiating. Burial will take place in Marion National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United States Marines and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends may visit with the family from 9 am to 11 am on Friday at the funeral home. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.