Milford P. Spurgeon

Milford P. Spurgeon, age 90, of Belle, passed away Friday, May 20, 2016 at St. Mary's Health Center in Jefferson City with his family by his side.

Milford was born on March 4, 1926, in Cooper Hill, a son to the late Frank and Lydia (Branson) Spurgeon.

On November 23, 1944, he was united in marriage to Vivian Rea Kemple. They enjoyed 71 years together. Vivian survives of their home.

Milford worked in the shoe manufacturing industry and retired from the Missouri Department of Transportation in Kirkwood, Missouri after 15 years.

He was a long time member and minister of Community of Christ and currently attended Bland Christian Church.

Milford enjoyed many outdoor activities. He raised beagles and loved fox hunting. Fishing was a great passion of his. He and Vivian spent many winters in Florida fishing at Lake Okeechobee. Milford had a green thumb and took great pride in his garden and yard. He loved his St. Louis Cardinals but his greatest joy was his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and serving the Lord.

In addition to his wife, Vivian, Milford is survived by: five children, Ronnie Spurgeon and his wife Vivian of Union, Kathy Smith and her husband Eddie of Camdenton, Ed Spurgeon and his wife Mary of Owensville, Sam Spurgeon of Overland Park, KS, and Bonnie Elrod and her husband James of Belle; thirteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Roger Spurgeon of Waterloo, IL and Clark Spurgeon of Fulton as well as many extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, He was preceded in death by one brother, James Spurgeon and two sons-in-law, Mike Patrick and Dan Smith.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at Sassmann's Chapel in Belle.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 23, 2016, at the Bland Christian Church with Pastor Bruce Elmore officiating. Interment will be in the Community of Christ Cemetery near Linn.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Community of Christ Cemetery Fund.