John D Spanley

JOHN D. SPANLEY, 79, of Evansville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on September 28, 2024 with his family by his side.

John was born to the late John E. and Ruth (nee Lauer) Spanley on March 18, 1945 in Belleville, Illinois.

John proudly served in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966 as an airframe and powerplant mechanic. John served on the USS Hancock during the Vietnam War. John was proud of his service and was a member of the V.F.W.

After his service, John returned home to Mascoutah, Illinois where he met and married Rita Nitzsche on October 26,1968; she survives.

John enjoyed his job, owning and operating Star Lanes with Rita. John always said he had the best job in the world because he got to hang out with all his friends everyday. John taught many kids to bowl during Junior League. John also enjoyed fishing, playing euchre, riding his motorcycle and traveling with his family and friends. John was a pilot and loved everything about aviation. John was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and watched almost every televised game unless he was attending his grand daughter’s sporting events.

Survivors:

Wife:

Rita Spanley

2 Sons:

John J. Spanley (Jackie Morgan)

Jason Spanley (Shay Valleroy)

4 Granddaughters:

Madison, Olivia, Jenna and Jordyn

1 Sister:

Rosie (Don) Taylor

1 Brother-in-law:

Paul Mueth

Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in Death by: Parents, 1 Sister – Shirley Mueth and 1 Nephew

John will be cremated and have a private Military Service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday October 5, 2024 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 303 Broad St. Evansville, Illinois.

Memorials may be made in John’s memory to the Knights of Columbus #1952 in Evansville or Hospice of Southern Illinois and donations are being accepted at Pechacek Funeral Homes.