Robert Walter Spencer, of Punta Gorda, Florida, died Friday, January 26, 2024, at the age of 81.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Jean (née Paton) and Robert Spencer, sister Barbara Brown, and brother-in-law Thomas Brown. He is survived by niece Natalie (Brian) Healey, great-nephew Alexander (Gianna) Kaloyeros, and great-great-nephews Francis and Giancarlo, all of St. Louis. Bob is also survived by extended family and many friends in Michigan, Florida, and Missouri.

Bob was born July 8, 1942, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan and was a 1960 graduate of East Detroit High School. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and achieved the rank of first lieutenant. After his service, Bob enrolled at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, graduating in 1972 with a degree in Mathematics.

Bob started his career with McDonnell Douglas Corporation in St. Louis. He later co-founded Spencer and Spencer Systems, Inc., which reached number 200 on Inc. Magazine’s 1986 list of 500. He often credited his success to the education he received at UMSL and he remained a very proud supporter of the university through the end of his life. In 2003, the university awarded Bob the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

Bob was an avid boater and twice crossed his wake by completing the Great Circle Loop, a 6,000-mile passage through the eastern United States and Canada by their waterways. He was at home on the water and was always eager to share this passion with those close to him.

No matter where Bob was at any given moment, he could almost certainly tell you the location of the nearest pool table. Bob was a talented pool player and a certified billiard instructor many times over. He enjoyed the company of his fellow pool players and the camaraderie of the leagues in which he played.

Bob’s family deeply admired him. His presence was big and it was gentle. We are proud to call him our family.

Visitation Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Roberson Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 Mary Street, Punta Gorda. Private interment to follow in St. Louis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Mathematics Department, Woods Hall, Suite 414, 1 University Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63121, or at giving.umsl.edu.