John Karl Spann, 76, of Jefferson City passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Heisinger Bluffs surrounded by his family.  He is now in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father.

He was born March 11, 1947 in St. Louis to the late John R. and Carlette “Coke” (Stehlin) Spann.  John was united in marriage on October 27, 1989 to Martha “Marty” Phillips in St. Ann, MO.  John graduated from Bayless High School, Affton, MO.  He went on to earn his B.A. degree in Sociology/Psychology from Culver-Stockton College, Canton, MO where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.  He later received his M.A. degree in Education Administration at NMSU (now Truman University) in Kirksville, MO. 

John started his teaching career at Lincoln County R-IV School District in Winfield, MO and later moved on to teach most of his 36 years in education at Francis Howell School District in St. Charles, MO.   John retired from FHSD and with his wife, Marty, moved to New Bloomfield, MO.  He taught 5 more years at St. Joseph Cathedral School in Jefferson City.  John and Marty eventually moved to Jefferson City in 2015.  For many years, he then worked as a Funeral Assistant for Dulle - Trimble Funeral Home.

John’s faith and trust in Jesus Christ helped him through the ups and downs (mostly ups) of his life.  He was active in several churches including SunRise UMC in O’Fallon, MO, New Bloomfield UMC and currently Wesley United Methodist Church in Jefferson City.  His church activities included Missions, Sunday School teacher, Stephen Minister, United Methodist Men, Pastor Parish, various other committees and active member of MO EAST Emmaus Community.

Over the years, John was active in several fraternities and organizations.  He belonged to Craftsmen Masonic Lodge #717 in St. Louis where he was a 50+year member.  He was affiliated with California Masonic Lodge #183 in California, MO holding the position of Chaplain for several years.  John was a member of Moolah Shrine, Moolah Mounted Lancers and the Scottish Rite in St. Louis and York Rite in Jefferson City.  He served several years on the board of Lincoln County R-IV School District.  While living in Winfield, John served on the Senior Citizen Board and  member of the Winfield-Foley Lions Club.  For 21 years, he was a volunteer firefighter, EMT and board member of the Winfield-Foley Fire District.  In 2021, John joined the American Legion Roscoe Enloe-Post #5.   John was a strong supporter of Coyote Hill-Jefferson City for foster children participating in the early development of the program.  He was a charter board member of the first Coyote Hill foster home in the Jefferson City area.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many. 

Survivors include his children, John E. Spann of St. Peters, MO,  JoAnn (Rick Dillard) Spann of Winfield, MO; step-children- Philip (Amanda) Hutchcraft of Jefferson City, Mindy (Nathan) Bradley of Bettendorf, IA, Jarrett (Heather) Eberhardt of Sullivan, MO; nine grandchildren, Kait (Colton) Madalone, Megan and Dylan Hutchcraft, Carlie and John Riley Spann, Morgan and Emily Harmon, Jackson and Morgan Bradley; and sister, Joanette “Cookie” Spann of Overland Park, KS.  John was preceded in death by his wife, Marty; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Spann and step-mother, Mary Ann Spann.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:40 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2727 Wesley St., Jefferson City.   A Masonic memorial service will begin at 11:40 a.m. with funeral services beginning at Noon. Reverend Steve George will officiate.  Burial will take place at a later date at the California Masonic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Coyote Hill Foster Care, 2727 Wesley St., Jefferson City, 65109.

Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City is assisting the family with arrangements.  trimblefunerals.com