Spencer Richmond Essell

Spencer Richmond Essell (1922-2020)

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away April 15, 2020, after a brief illness.

Spence was born August 6, 1922 to Spencer and Catherine Essell. His parents, two younger brothers, Jim and Herb, and stepbrothers Walter, Tom, and Duke Bodkin all preceded him in death, as did his stepmother Margaret.

Spence spent ten of his formative years at the General Protestant Orphan Home. Upon graduation from Hughes High School, Spence enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and served his country for three years in Calcutta, India during World War II. After returning from the war, Spence started his career with Cincinnati Bell, where he spent over 35 years in the engineering department.

In 1951, Spence met and married the love of his life, Freddie, spending nearly 69 years in an idyllic marriage, living most of that time in Bridgetown. Spence and Freddie raised two sons: Randy, now living in Dallas with his wife Shanda, and John, now living in Palm Springs with his wife Tempe. Spence welcomed grandchildren Nate, Gretchen, and Parrish to the family, and later, Nate's wife Sydney and their children Ava, Spencer, and Elizabeth; Gretchen's husband Aaron; and Parrish's fiancé Peter.

Among Spence's many activities was volunteering for 30 years at WCET, where he met many great friends. He loved working in his woodshop, and at Christmas time, he built wooden toy cars and train kits to be donated to Shriners Hospital for Children for the children to assemble. Spence spent nearly 75 years in proud service to the Shriners.

A celebration of Spence's life will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1st, at Meyer Funeral Home at 5864 Bridgetown Road. This will be followed by a private family burial in Bridgetown Cemetery.

Contributions in Spence's memory can be made to:

Shriners Hospital for Children
Office of Development
3229 Burnet Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45229