The family of Spencer Andrew Cole have invited the Patriot Guard to pay honors to their loved one , and it will be our honor to do so.
Spence has he liked to be called was born in Duncan, Oklahoma on June 19, 1939. Spence primarily grew up in California although he did spend some time growing up in Mexico, and also Costa Rica. During his young life his family did move around a lot as their father was also in the military.
Spence graduated from High School in June of 1956, and that following Sept. 18, 1956 entered the U.S. Navy.
In Dec. 1956, Spencer was sent to Terminal Island and was quickly assigned to the USS Hubbard . On Jan. 1st Spencer was reassigned for his first deployment to the Pacific Islands for 6 months. He was later reassigned to the USS Helena that was deployed to Vietnam.
Once in Vietnam he was again assigned to patrol boat for "swift water rescue" in the Mekong Delta.
While out on patrol one night there gun boat took enemy fire. One round hit Spencer in the head. Fortunately for Spence the round was deflected off his helmet so it grazed him and bounced off. Spencer regarded this event and his entire tour as insignificant events in his life.
Spencer never used the VA services or anything from the Government. He stated on several occasions that he didn't do anything to warrant the trouble and expense to the people of the United States.
Spencer retired from Active Reserves on Sept. 17, 1962 in Long Beach, Calif.
After his time in service Spence learned to fly helicopters flying for numerous agencies. He than took up being a carpenter and started a small handyman business as well as becoming a car salesman for a number of different agencies.
Spencer's wife passed before him in 2008. Barbara and Spencer were married for 34 yrs.
Spencer is survived by his 2 step children; Pamela, and Charles Grove
5 Grand Children: Jerry, Jesse, Amber, Valerie, Susanna
4 Great Grandchildren: Samuel, Trinity, Summer, and Zen
We will be Spencer's family on this day.....We have lost another Hero....Lets do him right!!
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his Family from funeral home to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Monday 14 April 20141145- Stage at Brown Mortuary, 204 West 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA, 92706
http://goo.gl/maps/L90bN 1200- Mission Briefing
1230- KSU to Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518
http://goo.gl/maps/cch0t 1330- Estimated arrival at Riverside National Cemetery
Family Staging area # 1 PGR staging # 8
PLEASE NOTE: We will need 6 pall bearers standing by in the event there are not enough, both in and out of coach..at RNC.R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
Buena Park, Calif.
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356"They have stood for me since the day I was born,
I will stand for them until the day that I die"
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
