Walter O. Spencer's Obituary
Walter Spencer Obituary
Walter O. Spencer, 95, of Seattle, WA, died September 25, 2022 at his home. He was born February 2, 1927 in Kenosha, WI and served with the US Army from 1946-1947. He was a graduate of Cleveland College, received a Bachelors of Science degree from Western Reserve University in 1948 and an Advanced Management degree from University of Chicago in 1956. Walt had been employed at The Sherwin Williams Company from 1949-1978. During that time, he held various positions, in USA, Cuba, Venezuela and Canada, including President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. In 1977, he was named Chief Executive of the Year for the Industry by Financial World. After his retirement from Sherwin Williams, he was employed at Tulane University as dean for the Graduate School of Business Administration. Walt served on many corporate boards including The Cleveland Trust Company and McDermott International, Inc. and on boards of various organizations such as the Cleveland Growth Association, Greater Cleveland United Way, Children’s Services, Urban League, Case Western Reserve University, the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival, and others. Other community activities included serving as vice-chairman of Cleveland Foundation, a member of Cleveland Commission on Higher Education, campaign chairman Northeast Ohio United Negro College Fund and was a guest lecturer at various university business schools. Walt was also involved with many business organizations such as the American Management Association, National Association of Corporate Directors and National Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of St. Andrew Episcopal Church, Elyria, and enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. Walter is survived by his wife, Blanca Rosa (nee Barillas); daughter, Mary (Gary) Baker of Medina, OH; grandsons, Brian DeFord (Amy Ortiz Baker) and Andrew Elliott Baker and great grandchildren, Amaya and Hailey. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Walter and Mable Viola (nee Park) Spencer; son, Walter Elliott Spencer and first wife, Dorothy Patricia Spencer. A graveside service will be Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11:00 am at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township. Reverend June Hardy Dorsey, Rector of St. Andrew Episcopal Church, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Walt’s lifelong support of education by making a donation to your favorite educational institution or scholarship.Graveside ServiceRidge Hill Memorial ParkSaturday, October 22, 2022 11:00 AM North Ridge Rd.Amherst Township, OH 44001
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