Larry Dewayne Spencer, 80 years old, of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and Garland Texas, sadly passed away on March 14th, 2022, in Saskatchewan. Larry is dearly loved by many and will be forever missed.
Larry is survived by his beautiful wife, Sue of 60 years. They were high school sweethearts and travelled the world to many different places. Together they raised their four children -- a daughter Kathy, and sons Randy, Rocky, and Rick. Larry enjoyed his seven grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and stayed in contact with his large extended family. Larry was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to everyone. He was deeply dedicated to his family and church-family.
Larry was the eldest son of a large family, born in rural Missouri. Raised on a farm, he learned many of his life skills that he carried throughout his life.
While being intelligent, hard-working, with a wide variety of talents and skills -- farming, construction, artistry, public speaking -- what mattered most to Larry was doing God's work and helping others.
As a young man, Larry worked at Hallmark Cards, KC, MO, followed by owning Larry’s Dairy, and raising charolais cattle on his own farm in rural Missouri. He moved to Paragould, Arkansas to prepare for a lifetime of gospel ministry. Larry studied theology at Southern Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, AR. He began his first pastorate in 1970 at a small country church in Arkansas, which then led to his life of travelling around the United States and Canada with his beloved family, preaching the word of God.
Doing God's work was important to Larry, and he dedicated his life to the ministry and of service to others.
In 1974, working as a church planter, Larry and his family immigrated to their adopted nation of Canada, later becoming dual citizens. Larry was the leader of many different ministries, a well-respected preacher, and a planter of four Canadian churches. He spent decades volunteering his time to his congregation, his communities, deeply committed to caring for all of those in need.
Larry pastored Discovery Baptist Church, Regina, Saskatchewan for a total of twenty-seven years. In 2013 he moved to Moose Jaw, SK and attended Calvary Baptist Church. Larry was involved with preaching, teaching, and leadership positions for the SK Northern Lights Association and the Canadian National Baptist Convention (formerly CCSB). Larry worked with the Canadian Baptist Builders Disaster Relief team, and with South Garland Church in Texas Rebuild Team/ Habitat for Humanity.
In addition to being a ministry leader, Larry was also a political leader for the province of Saskatchewan.
Larry was elected as a Canadian Member of Parliament, House of Commons, 2000-2004, representing Saskatchewan Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre for the Canadian Alliance Party. During this time, Larry was appointed as the Family Critic where he successfully fought to raise the age of consent for children. Later, Larry became the president of the national Christian Heritage Party for a few years.
Larry authored and published a book entitled, Sacrificed -- Truth or Politics.
Throughout his life, Larry loved the land and painting landscapes, building and renovating houses, and doing creative carpentry. He enjoyed acrylic painting "Garage Art" and pursued this hobby after his retirement. He and his wife travelled to forty-two states, nine provinces and nine different nations of the world.
Larry was always thankful for the many blessings received on his journey of life. He spoke highly of his wife, and led his family in prayer, even in his last weeks of life.
The Canadian memorial service will be held at 10 am Monday, March 21st, at Discovery Baptist Church in Regina Saskatchewan, located at 55 Mitchner Drive, Regina.
The United States memorial service will be held at 10 am on April 2nd, at Calvary Baptist Church in Nevada, Missouri.
Lamentations 3:22-23
22. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
23. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.
In living memory of Larry, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.jonesparkview.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain, Funeral Director
