Ralph L. Spurgeon Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ralph L. Spurgeon passed this week 67 years to the day of his marriage to Vivian Kuehn Spurgeon, January 28, 1951. Mr. Spurgeon was born in Honeytown on June 20, 1926, to Nell Wheeler Spurgeon and Earl Spurgeon, living to the age of 91. Raised as a farmer, he continued farming in the Brownstown area throughout his lifetime. He loved farm life, while raising grain, livestock, and his children. Deer, rabbit, squirrel, and bird hunting was always a favorite pastime. He began a long career in banking at the First National Bank, Brownstown, eventually becoming president. When the bank merged to become the Peoples Bank, he was named executive vice president. While there, he served as its loan officer and found granting a loan to someone, no matter the amount, made such a positive and helpful difference to them. Many never forgot his kindness and he never forgot them. He retired from the bank in 1991, but continued to serve on the board of directors until the age of 90. Ralph, upon graduation from Cortland High School in 1944, joined the Army and served in the WWII Pacific Theater, specifically in the Philippines. For the rest of his days, his fondest memory was the beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge when arriving back home to the United States. He continued his service as a commander of the American Legion and served on the military memorial squad for over 50 years. Upon his marriage to Vivian, Ralph became a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Brownstown. Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Vivian (Kuehn) Spurgeon; children: Jill Ann (William) Weber of Mitchell, Paul Duane Spurgeon of Vallonia, and Laura Mae Lamb of Seymour; grandchildren: Mitchell Landon Crider, Adilee Mae (Tim) Phegley, Carley Nicole Lamb, and Jenna Mae Lamb; great-grandchildren: Hallie Mae Phegley, Trey David Phegley, and Collin Dean Phegley. He was preceded in death by both parents, one sister, Lorraine Browning, and two brothers, John Wesley Spurgeon and Gerald Spurgeon. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, with Pastor Jack Belk officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., and from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, Brownstown. Military honors will be presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled American Veterans 47 and Vietnam Vets 7. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be given to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Brownstown, or any charity of choice. Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com

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Ralph L. Spurgeon

June 20, 1926 - January 28, 2018