John David Spurrier, age 96, of , Quincy, died Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at 1:45 am in Good Samaritan Home.
John was born November 7, 1919 in Johnsville, Maryland, the son of Myurtlin M.and Sadie B. Devilbiss Spurrier. He married Eleanor E.Fout on December 23, 1944 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Frederick, Maryland. She preceded him in death on November 5, 2015.
John and Eleanor moved to Quincy in 1955, where they owned and operated Spurrier's Music until their retirement. John was also an active musician who taught accordion for many years. He had been a member of Possum Holler Opry, and he had been the director of the Quincy Accordionaires. John was a 50 Year Member of Quincy Noon Lions, and he had served as District 1-G governor from 1978 to 1979. John was also a life member of Herman Lodge. He had been a state officer of AARP since 1985, and most recently he served as district coordinator. John also taught the 55 Alive driving course for seniors for 20 years. In addition, John was an active volunteer with RSVP and a past president of Q-City Squares Dance Club. He was a member of Luther Memorial Church.
John's family would like to thank the staff of Good Samaritan Home for all of the loving care that they provided to both John and Eleanor.
John is survived by four children: Darlene E. (Gary) Herman of Quincy; Katherine J. Dieker of Quincy; Marilyn L. (Paul) Rielle of Leavenworth, KS; and David R. (Darlene) Spurrier of Quincy; 11 grandchildren: Sherry (Shad) Richmiller of Liberty, IL; Jennifer (Mike) Peck of Clifton Springs, NY; Shawn Dieker of Quincy; Brandon (Sara) Dieker of Quincy; Amber (Tony) Casley of Ursa, IL; Ashley Rielle of Leavenworth, KS; Jacob Rielle of Hays, KS; Joshua Rielle of Leavenworth, KS; Preston Rielle, who is currently stationed in Japan while serving with the United States Navy; Heather (Will) Studer of Sterling, IL; and Kristen (Devin) Wagner of Marion, IA; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
In addition to his wife, John was preceded in death by his parents, and a great-grandson, James L. Mixer
Services: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2015 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Rev. Tony Metz officiating.
Entombment: Quincy Memorial Park Mausoleum, Quincy, Illinois
Visitation: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home
Memorials: Luther Memorial Church or Lions International
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
Kay Penrose wrote on Dec 11, 2015:
"Working in activity dept at Veteran Home, always had pleasure of scheduling John to play his accordion at one of our infirmary ,residents were always happy to listen to his music and funny story telling. I'm glad to have meant him and wife Elanore."
Marcia Edwards Netzley wrote on Dec 7, 2015:
"So sorry for your loss so close together. John was my accordion teacher for many years. He and Eleanor were very nice people and I'm sure they will be missed.
Marcia Edwards Netzley"
Dale Hilgenbrinck wrote on Dec 7, 2015:
"John would come out to the Veterans Home and play good old songs for the residents. Their eyes would light up, he did them a good service playing those songs. He was a kind and friendly person and I enjoyed working with him during his visits to the Home. May he rest in peace !"
Paul Brown & Dr. Janise Denton wrote on Dec 6, 2015:
"Our sincerest condolences.
Paul & Janise"
Robert Foose wrote on Dec 4, 2015:
"Darlene, Kathy, Marilyn, and David. I am so sorry to hear of John's passing, especially so soon after Eleanor. I am also sorry that I will be unable to visit with you at the visitation, as I will be in Peoria. Please know that Gretchen and I will keep you all, and your families, in our prayers. May the love of family and friends added to that of our Lord help sustain you as you in your time of grief."
Melanie McIntyre wrote on Dec 4, 2015:
"My Condolences losing your parents'so close together."
Paul Kevin Geers wrote on Dec 4, 2015:
"Dear Spurrier family
What a great guy John was, he would play at our St. Patrick's day dinners with his accordion since 2008
ever year since, playing old Irish tunes, walking around the tables and so many enjoyed his music, we will sure miss him next year at the dinner.
God Bless you and I will remember John and his wife in my prayers, both were sweethearts to know.
Paul K. Geers
President of the Latin Mass society of Quincy/Historic St. Rose of Lima Parish"
IVAN and Birdy Paul wrote on Dec 4, 2015:
"David, Darlene and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers."
Dennis Dodd wrote on Dec 3, 2015:
"Very sorry to hear of your loss so soon after your Mother. Now your parents are together again, forever."
Jerry and Donna Eiffert wrote on Dec 3, 2015:
"Kathy so sorry to hear of your family loss. He sounded like a remarkable man. He was involved and cared for the things he did which means he cared for family as well. Remember the good times and the memories of those. He has gone before you to prepare a place for you. We all will be united with lost family in the here after. God Bless."
Jeanette Bohne wrote on Dec 3, 2015:
"John got his wish. He and Eleanor will now be spending the rest of the holidays together in heaven. Boy is it rough on the rest of you losing both in less than a month right before as well as during the holiday season. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of Great Loss. God Bless!"
Mona and Dennis Fischer wrote on Dec 3, 2015:
"So sorry for your loss."
Sandy Schulte wrote on Dec 3, 2015:
"Kathy- so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a lovely person, a true gentleman and very giving community member. I know he was very proud of you and your work with the Lions group."
Barbara & Dick Jurgens and Eugene Holford wrote on Dec 2, 2015:
"You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Lots of memories and wonderful times shared through the years with our parents. I will miss John's welcome at Good Samaritan. May God's peace be with you."