Arvis Spencer Paschal

In Loving Memory of Arvis Spencer Paschal April 4, 1943 – July 4, 2025

Our fun-loving, beloved husband and father, Arvis Spencer “Spence” Paschal, passed away on July 4, 2025, surrounded by his eternal and adored companion, LaRue Paschal, their five children, and several other loving family members.

Spence was born in Ogden, UT and adopted by his mother Melba Johnson (1915-1990) and his father Arvis Sonny Paschal (1913-1996). They were later sealed as a family on February 23, 1953, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Spence attended Ogden High School and afterward served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bavaria, Germany. He spoke fondly of the people, culture, and beautiful places he experienced there, maintaining much of his German fluency and an impressive memory of names, dates, and details throughout his life.

While working at Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah, Spence asked his adored future bride, LaRue Thompson, on a date. After a beautiful courtship, they were married in the Logan Utah Temple on December 15, 1965.

Spence had a profound patriotic spirit and love for the United States of America. He would be honored to share his 4th of July date of passing with two of America’s greatest heroes, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Spence proudly served as 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1966 - 1969. He later served as staff and faculty of the Army Artillery and Missile School training Allied and NATO officers, including military personnel from the Middle East.

A loving husband, father, and friend, Spence was intentional with his time and energy, building strong, loving relationships with all members of his family. He was gifted with insight into the unspoken needs of his family, providing guidance and direction at formative stages of their lives.

Spence lived an exemplary life founded in love for and faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. His service to neighbors, friends, and community was quiet and frequent.

Spence’s spiritual gifts were many. He was a man continually in the service of those around him. He was deeply connected to the Holy Ghost, with a profound understanding of the scriptures. Spence treasured his ancestors and often spoke with deep admiration for his grandparents, aunts, and uncles. He also held a special place in his heart for his scoutmaster, Lowell Clontz, who played a meaningful role in shaping Spence’s character as a young man and helped guide his parents and family into full activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Spence was truly a man of many talents and skills. He loved working with his mind, heart, and hands. In midlife he returned to higher education to complete two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in social work. He practiced as a skilled social worker, crisis worker, and therapist for many years offering hope and healing to many. Spence had an extraordinary gift for seeing past surface difficulties to recognize the divine worth of every individual. In his early working days, and then again later in life, Spence became an entrepreneur utilizing his talent for steel fabrication and tool repair. As a hobby, Spence loved customizing firearms. He spent much of his life building—both in his professional life and in his familial relationships.

One of the greatest joys of Spence’s life came during his retirement years, when he and LaRue served together as Bountiful Temple ordinance workers and organists. He described this sacred service as one of the greatest blessings of his life.

Spence was an adventurer at heart and an outdoor enthusiast. He loved snow skiing, motorcycling, camping, fly fishing, hunting, scuba diving, and boating with his family. He found joy in life's simple pleasures and cherished time spent with those he loved most. His stories, jokes, and warm presence brought laughter and light to many activities.

Despite significant health challenges in his later years, Spence remained resilient, grateful, and determined to live a full life and to care for his family. His example of wisdom, enduring faith, and quiet strength leaves a legacy that will continue to bless future generations.

He was preceded in death by his precious grandson, Joshua Tobler, his parents, Arvis and Melba Paschal, and his brother-in-law, Bill Linsley.

Spence is survived by his wife, LaRue Paschal, and children: Liesa (Brian) Tobler, Heidi (Rod) Kump, Corey (Melissa) Paschal, Todd (Adrian) Paschal, and Natalie (Adam) Fisher, 16 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and siblings: Sonja (Bill, d. 2018) Linsley, Kathy (Lee) Ferrin, and Becky (Van) Erickson.

We love you dearly, Dad. We are so grateful for you. We honor you. Your life of service, compassion, and humor will remain with us always. We miss you deeply, and we rejoice in the knowledge that we will be with you again. “Thanks for everything!”

Please join us in celebrating Spence’s magnificent life. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday July 14, 2025 at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary 727 N. 400 E. where friends may visit family Sunday, July 13th from 6-8 pm and Monday 9:30-10:30 am prior to services. Interment Bountiful City Cemetery.

Services will be live-streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Spence’s obituary page.