John Patrick Spaight Jr., 87, of Hiawatha, KS died early Friday morning, September 22, 2023 at the Maple Height Nursing Home where he had been for a short time.
John was born August 19, 1936 in St. Joseph, MO to John and Mary Halling Spaight. He attended schools in Doniphan County and graduated High School in 1954.
He married Mary Ellen Finney in 1962; she preceded him in death in 1978.
He married Rebecca Ann Gibbs October 2, 1982 at St. Benedict in Bendena, KS. She survives of the home.
John served in the Army National Guard from 1953 – 1981 where he received the National Defense Service Medal.
John helped with farm work, applied chemical to farm ground, and worked as a custom harvester for 12 years. He also was a mechanic and welded for numerous jobs throughout the years. Worked on and drove school bus for Mid-way school for many years. He later worked for 8 years at Banks Construction as a mechanic on heavy trucks. He retired in 2005.
John was very active in the community. He was a member of the Leona Sportsman Club from 1944-1965, Huron Fire Dept., Denton Fire Dept. 1957-1992, Hunter’s Education Instructor, member of the American Legion for 51 years, and member of the Elks Club in Hiawatha and Atchison with a combined membership of 49 years. He made the new cross on top of St Mary Catholic Church in Purcell. He loved playing Santa Claus for many years. He served several responsibilities for the church, including counting the collection money. John was a member of St. Mary in Purcell, St. Benedict in Bendena, St. John in El Dorado, KS, and St. Benedict in Atchison, KS. Lastly he attended St. Ann Catholic Church of Hiawatha. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, softball, and baseball in his spare time.
John is survived by his wife Rebecca, step children; Melvin Lee (Rosie) Ranck of Prosper, TX, Debra Sue (Gene) Atland of Hiawatha, and David Wayne (Tamsen) Ranck of Brighton, CO, sisters; Mary Geneva Buzard of St. Henry, OH, Rita Rose Kussman of Marceline, MO, and Carol Sue Doring of Overland Park, KS, 17 step grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 10 great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife; Mary Ellen Finney, twin boys; Harold and William Spaight; step son; Clovis James Ranck, brothers in law; Kenny Buzard, Michael Kussman, and Paul Doring.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, September 29, 2023 at the St. Benedict Catholic Church in Bendena, KS. Father Dan Gardner will be the officiant. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Brown County Honor Guard will provide military services. Friends may call the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland after 10 a.m. Thursday, September 28, 2023 where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. with a family visitation to follow until 8 p.m.
