Rev. L. Spencer Alt of Orlando, FL, passed away on December 4, 2019. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of sixty-eight years, Carol, daughter Cheryl Alexander, son Douglas and grandchild, Lindsay Alexander, all of Orlando, FL.
Rev. Alt graduated from Argentine High School (Kansas City, KS) and Anderson College (Anderson, IN). Having felt a call to ministry at a young age, he was ordained in the Church of God and went on to pastor churches in Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana and Florida. Always known as a good-natured, compassionate man both in his churches and communities, he was a true servant and shepherd. He was selfless and tireless tending to his congregants at church, in hospitals, during home visits or even visiting their workplaces.
Pastor Alt was also a lifelong singer and soloist who started singing in church as a teenager. He was noted for his rich baritone vocalizations of "How Great Thou Art" and "The Lord's Prayer", a favorite requested by many a bride at their weddings. He was well-liked by all ages and had a particular love for children and young people. During his Minnesota pastorate, he was pictured in the newspaper playing softball with neighborhood kids. It wasn't unusual to have a knock on the door to see if the pastor "could come out and play". During the popularity of tv's "Charlies' Angels", his Ohio youth group had jackets made with "Spence's Angels" emblazoned on the backs.
Summer softball and watching the hometown teams of the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs play were favorite pastimes of Pastor Alt. But most of his spare time was spent with a book in one hand and a bowl of ice cream in the other. His love of ice cream was only exceeded by his love of coffee—strong coffee. A friend always warned him not to stir the coffee because the spoon might get stuck.
In retirement, Pastor Alt enjoyed working in security at the Orlando Fashion Square Mall but mostly delighted in spending time with his wife and only grandchild, Lindsay. He was the epitome of the loving, doting grandfather and relished his time with her. Watching Lindsay grow up was a great joy to him, and he was forever grateful that he lived to see her blossom into a lovely young woman.
Spencer Alt is preceded in death by his parents, William and Josephine Alt, brothers Allen and Maynard Alt and sister Ardella Hale, all of Kansas City, KS. He was the last of his immediate family to pass away. He is now rejoined with them and may currently be regaling them with his rendition of "How Great Thou Art".