Robert Raithel Spence

Robert Raithel Spence left us on the morning of November 3, 2014. In doing so, he left behind a legacy of kindness, gentleness and caring for all whom he called friend. Robert lived the life of a good father.

He met and married his beloved wife of 20 years, Ida De La Rosa Spence in 1994 and together they raised three daughters; Raithel Spence, India Edel and Mia Cortez. India and her husband, Jake brought his grandson, Ethan, into his life.

It is no question that Robert was all about his girls. He worked with them through school where he and Ida participated in all the activities the girls were involved in, including being Band Presidents at Alamo Heights and being an official Girl Scout leader. If his girls were involved, so was Robert.

In addition to the many friends he made over the years, especially Clay St. Clare and Jeff Lyttle; Robert leaves behind his father, Col. William Spence Jr.; his sisters, Terry Jean and husband, Bill Young; Susan Toy and husband, Brett Cotham; and his brother, William Spence III.

He was also proud of and mentor to his nephews and nieces; Robert, Bryce, Michael & Natalie, Danielle, Kyle & Rachel & Jaina, Katie, Cameron, Camille, Alex, Raina and Ray; no matter where they were in the world. He is also mourned by his aunts and uncles; Roberta and Rev. Ray Whitfield, Col. Benjamin and Luanne Taylor, Col. Craig and Mary Jean Spence and numerous cousins.

Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Raithel Spence and his son, Lupito Hernandez, Jr.

Robert will lie in state beginning at 8:00 AM on Thursday, November 6th with visitation from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life service in the Porter Loring Chapel on McCullough Ave.

On Friday, November 7th, a service will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 11 St. Luke's Lane at 11:00 AM.

A reception will follow in Olmos Basin Park at the Party House at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, 811 N. Coker Loop, San Antonio, TX 78216 www.girlscouts-swtx.org/ or the Animal Defense League, 11300 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio, TX 78217 www.adltexas.org/