William "Bill" Lee Spencer

Former county rancher, William Spencer, 80, dies

The funeral for William Lee (Bill) Spencer, 80, was Oct. 24, 1977 in Edgemont, S.D. Spencer was for many years a rancher southwest of Mule Creek Junction in Niobrara County.

He was born Jan. 26, 1897 at Forbes, Mo., the son of Nelson and Susan Spencer. He was the youngest of five children.

In 1903 the family moved northwest of Edgemont, eventually moving to Niobrara County the same year. His parents operated a post office out of their home and about 60 pioneer families received their mail through the Spencer home.

He and his brothers were partners in the ranch finally dissolving the partnership in 1942.

Feb. 29, 1920, Bill married Della Morse Alioth. She died in 1954 and on Sept. 10, 1955 he married Josephine Martin Potter. Until 1974 Bill operated his sheep business, and in 1975 he and his wife, Josephine moved to Edgemont.

Survivors include his widow, Josephine, one son from his first marriage, Leslie Morse, Newcastle; five sons from his second marriage, Larry Potter, Lead, S.D.; Clifford Potter, Woodward, Okla.; Lynn Potter and Gordon Potter, Edgemont; and David Potter, Gillette. Two daughters survive, Evelyn McMurphy, Wichita Falls, Texas and Barbara Lapp, Woodward, Okla. Twenty seven grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and other relatives also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters and two grandchildren.

The Rev. Roy Brown officiated at the funeral. Music was "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" and "Beyond The Sunset," provided by Shirley Simmons and Dr. James Bastian accompanied by Darlene Bastian at the organ.

Pallbearers were: Stanley Ball, Sam Rennard, Everette Griffis, John McKnight, Russel Raby and Ed Henton.

Burial was in the Edgemont Cemetery with graveside services conducted by the I.O.O.F. Lodge of Edgemont.

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