John Spencer died peacefully in Sarasota, Florida on July 1, 2022. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on November 30, 1930. He grew up in New Albany, Indiana, where he hunted and fished in the Ohio River valley. As a teenager, he worked for the L&N Railroad. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950, serving in the infantry as a tank gunner. After leaving the Army, he received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. He joined the engineering firm Sorrel & Mattis, and embarked upon a career in bridge design, as the interstate highway system reshaped America. In his early 30s, he led the design of a bridge spanning the Ohio River. He later joined Indianapolis-based American Consulting Engineers, and spent decades with the company.

John Spencer was a skilled woodworker, an outdoors man, and a dedicated thistle sailor. He was a member of the Indianapolis Sailing Club, where he taught sailing to new recruits of all ages. He enjoyed competition and camradery with his fellow club members.

Following the passing of his wife of 51 years , Barbara, John moved to Sarasota, Florida, where he lived at Lake house West retirement community. Into his 90s, he walked and rode his bike daily in the nearby neighborhood and nature preserve . He is survived by his daughter, Sondra Davis ; his son, David (Sallie) Spencer ; grandchildren Lindsay Davis , Jackson (Allie) Spencer, and Ben Spencer ; sister Anna Breeden; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews . He was preceded in death by four siblings, Alden Spencer, Margie Beeler, Alice Krosky, and Betty Wittinghill.

Services will be held on July 9, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Oak Hill Cemetery

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Special Olympics of Indiana