John 'J.C.' Charles Spurgeon

J.C. Spurgeon was born in Dawson, MO on July 14, 1932, the son of Lafe and Beulah Spurgeon. He passed away on November 12, 2012. He was a graduate of Mtn. Grove High School in 1950 and then worked at Caterpillar in Peoria, IL from 1950-1958. He enlisted with the United States Marine Corp from 1953-1956 and received an honorable discharge with the rank of Corporal.

He married Jeanie Porter on November 27, 1958 at the Church of God in Mtn. Grove, MO. He graduated from Barber College in 1958 and began his barbering career in Bloomington, IL. In 1961 they moved to Mtn. Grove and opened Spurgeon’s Barber Shop. They raised four children: Becky, Scott, Jo Beth, and Leeann.

J.C. loved the Lord and had a heart of service for people. He served in his church, Living Stones Assembly, in many capacities for many years. He taught hundreds of children and youth to love and serve the Lord. He faithfully picked up and brought to church many who otherwise could not attend. He loved to sing specials with his wife Jeanie at several churches and was honored to sing for many funerals over the years. He was a good, loyal friend and helper to many who needed extra help. His favorite scripture was: Psalms 31:1

“In thee, Oh Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness”.

He served his patrons of J.C.’s Barber Shop with amazing commitment for over fifty years. At times his shop would look more like a bicycle repair store as he loved to repair bikes for many. His donation of blood to the Red Cross was phenomenal; over 29 gallons. He had many fun stories about the nurses and the good sandwiches and cookies they offered. His heart was soft concerning his heritage and he meticulously cared for several small cemeteries around Dawson, MO. His love for fast-pitch softball was unending. His rise ball and drop ball left many Mtn. Grove batters swinging at air. His drive to play ball as long as possible kept the Absorbing Junior Company in business and the ice bags dripping. His competitive spirit stayed alive through horse shoe pitching, checkers, chess, marbles, ping pong and many board games with his friends, kids, and grandkids. Golfing in the Senior League with his best friend, Joe Eisenhour, was his latest challenge. He bragged about getting to move up to the senior t-off because it put him back in the running to win.

J. C. loved working and keeping up his dad’s farm in Dawson and mowing and trimming around his father-in-law, C.C.Porter’s, lakes. He loved to work, brush hog, pick rock, cut wood, pick up walnuts and enjoy the beauty of the farm. He had a passion to fish and shared that passion with family and used it to minister to men by simply bringing them to fish with him. He loved to share his fish stories, loved to eat his catch, and treasured the time with Jeanie.

He found joy in all that he did and his smile and quick wit gave joy to all that knew him. If asked how to describe J.C, the words that many would speak include: committed family man, hard worker, Christian, loves to memorize scripture, determined, a wonderful husband, an awesome dad, very giving, provider, faithful, loves to eat, fix-it man, great fisherman, cornbread and milk lover, very organized, not afraid to wash dishes, early riser, strong willed, a wood cutter, loyal…….to name just a few.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Lafe and Beulah Spurgeon; twin infant brother and sister; a son-in-law: Vince Elfrink; and by a cousin who was raised by his parents: Irene Hyle.

J.C. is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Jeanie; his daughter: Becky and her husband, Lance Link of Lebanon, MO; son: Scott Spurgeon of Springfield, MO; daughter: Jo Beth Elfrink of Hollister, MO; daughter: Leeann and her husband, Russell Reusch of Branson, MO; twelve grandchildren: Rachel, Kyle and his wife Ashley, Ben, Aaron, and John Link; Jennah and Mackenzie Spurgeon; Joel and his wife Kelsie, Micah, and Luke Elfrink; Jarett and Chad Reusch; and one great-grandchild: Madelyn LuAnn Link; and many family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Cemetery Fund or American Red Cross through Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, MO.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Visitation:
Wednesday, November 14, 2012, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions:
Friendship Cemetery in c/o the funeral home.