Michael Donald Spencer
Obituary

Michael Donald Spencer was born on November 21, 1963, in Kodiak, Alaska, and passed away on May 24, 2026, in Houston, Texas, after battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, scientist, and friend. He was the kind of person who approached everything, and everyone, with kindness and curiosity. Outside the lab, he kept his hands busy with woodworking, gardening, baking, and fixing just about anything. He loved music and often enjoyed playing the piano or singing in choir. Michael’s faith and dedication shaped how he showed up for his community and the people around him. If you were to ask anyone who knew him, they'd say the role he cherished most was being a grandfather. 

Michael earned his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Illinois and worked as a research chemist throughout his career, most recently at the ExxonMobil Baytown Plant, where he specialized in petrochemical and plastic catalysts. He was known as someone who could solve problems, fix almost anything, and always lend a helping hand. He took pride in learning new skills and was never afraid of hard work.

Michael shared many adventures with his wife, Sophie, including long-distance biking trips along the Erie Canal, GAP/C&O Trail, Katy Trail, and routes throughout Quebec. Together they also enjoyed home improvement projects, gardening, car repairs, and countless do-it-yourself projects completed with determination and teamwork.

He was deeply involved in his community and gave his time generously through scouting, swim teams, hurricane recovery efforts, and other service opportunities. His church service was very important to him and he was dedicated. He took his family on countless road trips that left his children with fond memories. He fostered a home environment centered on education, learning, and faith, helping guide all of his children through college.

Michael will be remembered as a dependable, caring, and thoughtful man who loved deeply and worked tirelessly for those around him. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved sharing puns and dad jokes, and always tried to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands to serve others.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Sophie V. Spencer; his children, Veronica Spencer, Christine Spencer, Isabelle Spencer, Patrick Spencer and wife Megan, and Eric Spencer; grandson Alex Goodwin; as well as his mother, brothers, sisters, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald G. Spencer, his sister, Ruth Ann, and many beloved family members and friends who were there to greet him..

A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Friendswood Church Building, 505 Deseret Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to MD Anderson Cancer Research. The family also welcomes friends and loved ones to share stories, memories, and photos of Michael in his honor.