John V. Spaight, 87, Waterford, formerly of Bella Vista, Ark., died peacefully Sept. 11, 2013, with his family by his side. He was born on June 12, 1926, in Burlington, to the late Raphael and Alvina (Kortendick) Spaight. He spent his early years in Waterford and attended St. Thomas Graded School. He was a Waterford High School graduate.
Following high school, he proudly served his country in the Merchant Marines.
On Sept. 15, 1951, in Sharon, he married Jean E. Baker. They lived in Waterford where they raised five children. He was a lifelong carpenter by trade. Upon retirement, they relocated to Bella Vista, Ark., and recently moved back to Waterford. He enjoyed a good round of golf at Rivermoor in Waterford. He also enjoyed the game of bridge, loved to read and spent a good many of his weekends watching football.
Survivors include his loving wife of almost 62 years; children, Lawrence ‘Butch’ (Judy) Spaight, North Prairie, Jane (James) Bodden, Woodland Park, Colo., Timothy Spaight, James (Mary) Spaight, Waterford, Trish (Jeff) Lancaster, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Robert ‘Bob’ Spaight, East Troy; sister-in-law, Shirley Andrews; other relatives and friends.
He was further preceded in death by his siblings, Mary and Colin ‘Dick’ and brother-in-law, George ‘Fritz’ Kuecker.
A memorial gathering was Sept. 13, at Mealy Funeral Home, Waterford. Private inurnment is at a later date.
In lieu of floral expressions of sympathy, memorials to the family are suggested.
Well-wishers can visit www.mealyfuneralhome.com.
