08/22/2025
Walter D. Spicer
Walter D. Spicer, 96, of Bedford, PA, went to be with the Lord on August 21, 2025. He was born on May 7, 1929 in New Castle, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Elbert Chye Spicer and Olive Victoria (Fraley) Spicer. He grew up in Dravosburg, Pennsylvania and graduated from McKeesport High School.
On April 6, 1956 he married his wife of 69 years, Claire Suzanne (Scarborough) Spicer, who survives along with their son, Frederick Donald Spicer and his wife Janice of Bridgeport, West Virginia; daughter Jill Ann Spicer and husband Jeff McNear of Greenbrae, California; daughter, Joy Eileen Spicer and companion Corinne MacDonald of Savannah, Georgia; two grandchildren, granddaughter Jacqueline Elizabeth Spicer of San Diego, California and grandson Matthew William Spicer and Fiancée Megan McCaffrey of Annapolis, Maryland; Sister Janet Mangus of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania; Brother-in-law Donald Scarborough and wife Gerry of West Mifflin; nieces and nephews.
Walter was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Jacqueline Sue Spicer and brothers, William Spicer and Frederick Spicer.
Walter was a devoted Christian, proud American, and loved his family.
Walter was especially proud of his service in the US Army during the Korean War. After basic training at Fort Knox in Kentucky and additional schooling at Fort Monmouth, NJ, Walter served at SHAPE Headquarters in Paris, France under General Dwight Eisenhower, whom he met once while there. Even to the end he loved to relate tales of his army days to whomever would listen.
Walter spent most of his career working in the Pittsburgh area at Busy Beaver Building Centers and later Fagen Building Centers as a salesman, purchasing agent, and estimator.
Walter was always ready with a quick-witted quip. He was an avid hunter, baseball and football athlete and later, coach. He attended all sports games involving his children, which included baseball, softball, tennis, basketball and track and field, sometimes as their coach. He was a furniture maker and a remodeler for all of his residences. He did extensive work on his 1840 log home in the Mann’s Choice, PA area. You could always find Walt on the riding mower or with a toolbelt on his hip and a paintbrush in his hand. He was also an avid reader and had a great knowledge of history, with particularly deep knowledge of the American Civil War. He was also proud of being a 50-plus year member of Bethel Masonic Lodge #761 in Bethel Park, PA.
Walter was a former member of Bedford United Methodist Church where he made many friends. After moving to Friendship Village, he became a member of The Missional Church. He was loved by friends and neighbors.
The family wishes to acknowledge, with gratitude, the Altoona VA home-based program, caregivers Denise and Joyce, Gentiva Hospice, and staff and caregivers at Colonial Courtyard of Bedford.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes, Bedford. The service will be at 3:30 PM and will be led by Jim Miller, a good friend of our family. Walter will then be transported to Jefferson Memorial Chapel in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania, where a military Honor Guard service will be held. A message will be given by Rev. Jody Dausey with interment in the Garden of the Last Supper Section of Jefferson Memorial Cemetery. Special bagpipe music will be provided by David Scarborough.
Friends and family will be received at Jefferson Memorial Chapel on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 1-2 PM with a funeral service at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, plant a tree in Walter's memory or make a donation to The Missional Church, 136 Park LN, Bedford, PA 15522.
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