Richard Keith Spencer passed away peacefully at his home on August 19, 2026, at the age of 70. Born in 1956 in Sherman, Texas, Richard lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and a genuine desire to help others. He went home to be with his Lord surrounded by the love of the family who meant everything to him.

Known as Richard, Rick, “Mailman,” and, most lovingly, “Poppy,” he was a special man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and church family with every fiber of his being. There was little he wouldn’t do for the people he loved. He had a generous heart and would gladly give the shirt off his back to help someone in need.

Rick worked tirelessly for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier, a job that earned him the nickname “Mailman” among many of his friends. He believed in working hard, staying busy, and making himself useful. When he was well, sitting still simply wasn’t in his nature. He was always on the go, always finding something that needed to be done or somewhere he needed to be.

His faith was an important part of who he was. Rick was a loyal and devoted member of West Sherman Baptist Church, a church family he loved deeply. His faith guided the way he lived, the way he loved his family, and the way he treated those around him.

Those who knew Rick will also remember the stories. His family especially loved listening to him recall stories from his childhood and years gone by. Those stories, told in his own unmistakable way, became part of the fabric of the family and will be treasured and retold for generations.

Of all the names Richard answered to throughout his life, perhaps none meant more than “Poppy.” His grandchildren were a tremendous source of love and joy. The memories they made with Poppy—and the love he gave them so freely—will remain with them always.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Spencer; his children, Kellie Mathis (Bryan Busse), Kevin Mathis, and Krista Lund (Bryan); and his beloved grandchildren, Emily, Victoria, Vanessa, Valerie, Luke, and Lily, who will all miss their Poppy dearly.

He is also survived by his brothers, Garry (Betty), Junior (Barbara), and Bob (Betty); his sister, Sallie; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, friends, and others whose lives were made better by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Omitine Spencer; his father, Delmar Spencer; and his sister, Sharlotte Rae Slaughter.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, Texas, on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to West Sherman Baptist Church in Rick’s memory—a fitting tribute to a man whose faith and church family held such an important place in his heart.

Richard leaves behind more than a lifetime of memories. He leaves behind the example of a man who worked hard, loved deeply, gave generously, treasured his family, and held tightly to his faith. He was a husband, a dad, a brother, a friend, the Mailman—and, to six very fortunate grandchildren, he was Poppy. He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.