John was born in Greenville, Ohio on March 11, 1937. He was Proceeded in death by his parents Sarah (Dohme) and Wilbur D. Spidel; Sisters, Gretchen K. Pequignot and Collette S. Eikenberry; Brothers in law, Nils G. Eikenberry and John R. Lynch.
He is survived by the love of his life, Jane Lynch Spidel, whom he married on September 4, 1960, and lovingly called Janie; cherished children, Daughter, Susan Lynne Spidel and husband Jim Wiginton and Son, Douglas Alan Spidel and wife Mara; his precious grandchildren whom he adored, Jordan Elizabeth Spidel, John Robert Spidel and Jade Elise Spidel; Brothers, George J. Spidel and wife Kathy, David L. Spidel and wife Mariette, and Wilbur D. Spidel II (Sam); Sister in law, Lianne J Spidel; and Brothers in law, Robert H. Pequignot and Don D. Lynch and wife Nadine, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
John graduated in the class of 1955 from Greenville High School. He was quarterback of the undefeated 1954 M.V.L. football team and also played on the 1955 M.V.L. championship basketball team. He was awarded MVP in both sports for his efforts. John also earned All League and All State honors in both football and basketball.
John followed his father’s footsteps to The University of Michigan where he received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and his M.B.A. While at Michigan, John continued to excel in athletics earning his numerals in freshman basketball and lettering 3 years in football. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and Druids Honorary Society. John remained an “M Man” all of his life and was a loyal member of The University of Michigan Letter winners M Club and the Victors Club.
Following graduation, John served in the United States Marine Corp Reserves for 6 years.
John started his business career with Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan and was later transferred to Boston. He then moved to New York City and spent 3 years there. John returned home to Greenville, Ohio in 1966 and began his nearly 30 year career with American Aggregates Corporation. He retired in 1993 as Vice President of Administration and was a member of the Board of Directors.
John sat on the Greenville City Board of Education and the board of the Darke County YMCA, serving both organizations as a member and President. He was also a member of the Greenville Toastmasters.
John was a life long member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church. He served on the Church council as a member and President and was a key member of the evangelism committee. He was also instrumental in the formation of the St Paul’s Lutheran Church endowment fund.
John was a loving son, husband, father, brother and grandfather, a loyal friend, an exemplary citizen, a faithful member to his church, an honest man and a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Services for John will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, December 13, 2014 in St Paul’s Lutheran Church 131 East Fourth Street Greenville, Ohio. Pastor Peter B. Menke will preside and graveside burial will immediately follow in Greenville Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. on Friday, December 12 at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home Greenville, Ohio and on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until time of the services in the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to The John W. Spidel Memorial Fund for football safety equipment C/O Greenville City Schools, St. Clair Memorial Hall, 215 West Fourth Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331 or St Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Condolences for the family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com
