Austin Otto Spencer, 78, of Columbia City, died at 1:50 a.m. Sunday, December 27, 2020, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, after a two-week battle with COVID-19.

He was born September 21, 1942, in Garrett, Indiana, a son of the late Mervin and Bessie (Gillum) Spencer. He grew-up in the Collins area, where he completed Collins Elementary School and started at Churubusco High School. Moving to the Columbia City school district, he graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1960.

He served with the U.S. Navy.

On March 12, 1967, he married Judith A. Johnson. They made their home in Fort Wayne. In 1967, they moved to Columbia City.

He began his work career with International Harvester, Fort Wayne. After the Fort Wayne plant closure, he transferred to the Springfield, OH plant until completing his 30 years of service. He then became a Dispatcher for the Columbia City Police Department for about seven years, transferring to the Whitley County Sheriff Dispatch for another seven years. He completed his work career with Whitley County REMC dispatching work crews.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed vehicles; whether it was the International Trucks, he helped build or the International Scouts that he drove. Partial to fast and loud cars, he owned several Corvettes, with his favorite being his 1966 427 Corvette with factory side exhaust. He enjoyed watching the NFL following the Indianapolis Colts, but his favorite team was the Chicago Bears. He was a true Hoosier following the Indiana University Football and Basketball team. Whether relaxing at home or tinkering in the garage, he always tuned in the Oldies 101 radio station.

When his grandsons came along, they became his pride and joy, attending all their sporting events. He helped construct the Morsches Park fields and dugouts for baseball. He was a former member of the Columbia City Elks Club.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judy; two sons, David (Teresa) Spencer and Jason (Denice) Spencer, both of Columbia City; grandsons, Reece, AJ, and Keegan; and two sisters, Pauline Budd and Ruby Palmer, both of Fort Wayne.

The funeral service is 6 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with the Korean War Honor Guard presenting honors. Visitation is 3 p.m. until the service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Austin's honor are to the Whitley County Sheriff Department or the Columbia City Fire Department.

This service will be live streamed on our Facebook page.