Robert E. "Bob" Spence, 80, of Dewey, AZ formerly of Fairbury, IL died about 1:45pm Tuesday, December 5, 2006 a few hours after being admitted to Yavapai Regional Hospital at Prescott Valley, AZ due to complications of pneumonia.

R.E. "Bob" was born August 8, 1926 in Fairbury, IL, a son of G.B. and Morie Claudon Spence. He was a graduate of Fairbury Twp. High School and served in the U.S. Army during WWII ending his stint stationed in Japan. At one time he served the town of Woodsboro, TX as Mayor. He was a head foreman station manager for Natural Gas Pipeline Co., of America at their station in Woodsboro, TX. After retirement he moved in 1986 to the Prescott, AZ area.

Survivors include his brother Meurl C. (Elmira) Spence of Prescott Valley, AZ and sister Margot (Richard) Phelps of Fairbury, IL; nieces Mia and Anita; nephews Michael, Spencer, Bob and Mark; 15 great nieces and nephews; 10 great great nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers Bill and Gene and sister Jane.

Cremation rites will be accorded and a memorial held in Prescott Valley, AZ in January 2007. Part of his ashes will be left in the Bradshaw Mountains in Arizona and part will be brought back to Spence Cemetery in Fairbury, IL and a memorial held here at a later date.

R.E. Bob loved nature and all of life with great gusto and a positive attitude, traveling, sports and his forte in life was a "helping hand" to all. He has left a jillian friends with many good memories who will truly miss him.