Spencer, Joshua Paul

Services for Joshua Paul Spencer, 7, of Hallsville, will be noon today, 
June 4, 2007, at Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Longview, with Brother 
Charles Hunt officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Park Cemetery in 
Longview under the direction of Rader Funeral Home.   

Josh was born January 28, 2000, in Longview, Texas. 

Josh went home to be with the Lord June 2, 2007, after a long battle with 
a neurological disease called Batten Disease. Josh was diagnosed in October 
of 2003 with this horrible disease. After being diagnosed, friends and 
family spent the next two years raising money and trying to raise awareness 
of this disease and how it affects these beautiful children. Currently there 
are approximately 200 children living in the United States with this disease 
and no effective treatment or cure. Thanks to Joshua and other children like 
him, there are now clinical studies being performed in New York City and 
California. Everyday our pray is that not one more child will suffer with 
such a horrific disease. 

He is survived by his parents, Paul and Leann Spencer of Hallsville and his 
12-year-old sister, Shelbie. He is also survived by his grandparents, Ronnie 
and Maxine Spencer of Gilmer, Ray and Mary Bucknum of Waco, and William Mills 
of Lone Star. Other survivors include many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the East Texas Angel Network, P.O. Box 
9544, Longview, TX 75608.

A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com

Published in the Longview News-Journal on 6/4/2007.