Thanuel O. Spessard

Thanuel O. Spessard age 94 passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, MO.

Thanuel was born on October 3, 1921, in Santa Ana, CA to the late David and Ruby (Martindale) Spessard.

He was a 1940 graduate of Tustin High School, Tustin, CA. On December 7, 1940. Thanuel was united in marriage to Esther Elaine Mills. She preceded him in death in August of 2008.

Thanuel joined the United States Army in 1943 and served as a Postal Clerk in the Philippines during WWII. Following his service to his country, he returned to Santa Ana, CA and worked as an accountant for the U.S. Postal service for 35 years before retiring. Thanuel and his wife relocated for their retirement years to Greers Ferry, AR. He was very community oriented and served as the Optimist Club President and was on the volunteer fire department as well as the ambulance service. He also worked at F.L. Davis Construction Supply for many years in Greers Ferry. Thanuel enjoyed the outdoors and he and his wife spent several summers working at the Honeywell Dude Ranch in the mountains of Bishop, CA. Thanuel moved to to assisted living in Owensville seven years ago when his wife died to be closer to his son, Ted.

Thanuel was a very kind and humble man and a hard worker. He enjoyed woodworking and could build or fix anything. He was always there for anyone in need of help. Thanuel enjoyed fishing and reading before his eyesight left him and continued his love of literature, by listening to recorded books. He will be missed greatly by those who knew and loved him. As a Christian, Thanuel was ready to be reunited with his Lord and Savior.

Thanuel is survived by: one son, Ted Spessard and his wife Pat of Belle, MO ; one grandson, Todd Spessard and his wife Sena of Edmond, OK; one granddaughter, Jennifer Butler and her husband Daniel of Gallatin, TN ; and one great-granddaughter, Shyler Spessard as well as many nephews, nieces, extended family members and friends.

In addition to his wife of 66 years and his parents, Thanuel was preceded in death by four brothers. Everett, Floyd, Eugene, and James Spessard, and two sisters, Vera Lusk and Evelyn Lusk.

No formal services are planned for Thanuel at this time.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, MO.