Joseph McKinley Spencer, best known as Joe, was born on June 25, 2003, in Houston, Missouri. Joe departed this life at the age of 22 on July 22, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was surrounded by family and friends who gathered to honor him at his Walk of Honor as the gift of his organs gave life to three men and two women, as well as his tissue, which helped numerous people.
Joe was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Dorsey McKinley Spencer.
He is survived by his parents, Steve and Karen Spencer of Roby; his sister, Rachel Dowden and her daughter, Elsie Dowden of Plato; his maternal grandparents, David Underwood of Roby and Beth Burke of Hinesville, Georgia; his paternal grandmother, Shirley Spencer-Bogess and her husband, Joe of Plato; uncles, Jeff Spencer of Plato and John Underwood (Amanda) of Guyton, Georgia; cousins, Ashley Gyllstrom (Alex), Chelsea Burdette (Kyle), Hayden and Stone Underwood; as well as a host of other family members and friends.
Joe attended Plato Schools and Waynesville Career Center. He graduated from high school in May 2021 and received an auto service technician certificate. After graduation, Joe used his mechanical skills servicing vehicles, farm equipment and heavy equipment. This led to a love for operating heavy equipment and a job working at a rock quarry and most recently a paving company. While waiting to head back to work with the paving company, Joe enjoyed assisting and working alongside a friend in his fertilizer business this past spring.
Joe grew up on his dad’s heels and enjoyed being his little buddy and helper. He was always in his shadow learning all aspects of the farm. From the moment he was born, he kept his family on their toes with his adventurous spirit and his tendency to get hurt. You could ask Joe anything about a tractor, chainsaw or any gun, and he would educate you about it. Joe’s hobbies included hunting, trapping, fishing, riding dirtbikes, hanging out with his friends and cooking for anyone that loved squirrel in the pressure cooker or fried deer meat. Joe was instrumental in assisting in the care of his PaPa the last five years and they made many memories.
Joe loved being “My Unky Joe” to his sweet niece, Elsie Marie. He was so full of life and fun and the friend you could always count on. He had the biggest heart and if anyone was ever in need, he was right there to help. Joe was loved by many and will be tremendously missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Cling to the hope we have in Christ, knowing that He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2025 in the Roby Christian Church, with minister Eric Keffer officiating. Alan Clyne will read the obituary and the songs “Precious Memories,” “Meet You in the Morning” and “Just Over in the Gloryland” will be sung. Serving as escorts are Ethan McCown, Case McClure, Jack Morrison, Lane Cotrel, Ashton Chenoweth, Wyatte Cotrel, Isaac Powell and Justin Collins. Serving as honorary escorts are Austin Fulmer, Hunter Paddock, Ben York, Garon Miller, Garret McClure and Levi Johnson. Burial will follow in the Palace Union Cemetery of Evening Shade. Services are under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Online condolences can be sent at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com.