William “Bill” Spencer

Dec. 15, 1942- Jan. 3, 2026 William “Billy, Bill, Spence” K. Spencer, 83, of Osceola, formerly of Beatrice, passed away on January 3, 2026, in Omaha. He was born on December 15, 1942, in Waco, Texas to Merlyn and Darlean (Kaufman) Spencer. He grew up mostly in Cheyenne, WY, visiting his grandparents in Beatrice often as a youth. He graduated from high school in Green River, WY in 1961. He started working for the Union Pacific Railroad in 1961 as a telegraph operator in Wamsutter, WY. He met LaRena Stanley in Wamsutter. They were married on January 25, 1964, and later divorced in 1989. He moved to Beatrice, NE in 1967 continuing as a telegraph operator for the Union Pacific Railroad at the Pickrell Depot. He eventually became a locomotive engineer with Union Pacific Railroad and continued till his retirement in 2002 with over 40 years’ service. After his retirement he worked part-time for various businesses in Osceola, NE and Shelby, NE. He married Lyla Meerkatz on July 12, 1993, in Las Vegas and they moved to an old farmhouse where they refurbished to make it into their happy home.

He was one of the Sons of the American Legion charter members of the American Legion Post #27 of Beatrice. He eventually transferred his membership toAmerican Legion Post #91 of Osceola. He was a member of the SAL for 48 years. He loved camping, fishing and hunting in the mountains of Wyoming with family and friends. It was at least an annual trip for him. No matter where he was at, he was able to make friends with almost anyone and he has made many friends throughout his life. He was a kind and a gentle man who enjoyed telling stories and jokes. He always enjoyed listening to good stories and jokes as well. He was always willing to lend a hand if he was able to. He will always be known as Billy by his sisters and brother and he’ll be known as Bill or Spence by many others.

He enjoyed spending time with friends at the areaAmerican Legion clubs over a few drinks.

He loved all his pets that he has had throughout his life. He especially loved cats that would just show up at his place or the stray cats he would find in town that he felt sorry for. He would often joke that the stray cats would see a sign somewhere that would say “Eat at Spencer’s”. Of course, he would feed them so they would continue to come back. He enjoyed the older Country and Western music. He also enjoyed some of the newer country music like Alan Jackson. He was often seen wearing a cowboy hat himself. He enjoyed tinkering on items and treasures in his garage that he had collected over the years.

He was deeply loved by many and will be truly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Lyla of Seward; sons, Wade (Amy) Spencer of Beatrice, Lance Spencer of Blue Springs; daughter-in-law, Angela Spencer; step sons, Loren Meerkatz of Belton, MO , Lance (Brenda) Meerkatz of Cleveland, MO; stepdaughter, Lynelle (Gary) Matulka of Seward; grandchildren, Chris (Andrea) Spencer of Augusta, GA, Laura Spencer of Lincoln, Jennifer Spencer and significant other Mark Kroeker of Beatrice, Amanda (Dustin) Dorn of Beatrice, Zoey Spencer of Blue Springs, Wyatt Spencer of Blue Springs, Emma Spencer of Blue Springs; step grandchildren, Aaliyah Miller of Lincoln, Jordan Miller and significant other Darrhan Cast of Hebron, Ava Miller of Beatrice, Landon Meerkatz of Cleveland, MO, Noah Meerkatz of Cleveland, MO, Lyndsey Earnest of Fremont, Desiree (Joshua) Willson of Lincoln ;and six great grandchildren; sisters, Merrilyn (Martin) Hackard of Twin Falls, ID, Jean (Ray) Burton of Cheyenne, WY; brother, Randy (Karla) Spencer of Cheyenne, WY; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merlyn Spencer, Darlean and Glenn Brandt; brother, Steve Spencer; step grandson, Logan Meerkatz; LaRena “Rena” Spencer Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Fox Funeral Home of Beatrice with Jon Palmquist officiating. Cremation has taken place and there will be no viewing. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the Beatrice Humane Society. www.foxfuneralhome. net Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation

Services of Beatrice.