John Walter Spires, 80, of Hermann, MO, died on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at his home surrounded by family.

John Walter Spires was born on March 22, 1941 in Truxton, MO, to John Thornton Spires and Leona Marie Sheppmann Spires.  He married Marie Bracht in Florissant, MO, on June 14, 1961 and were married for over 60 wonderful years.  John graduated from Montgomery County High School, University of Missouri-Columbia (BS in Industrial Education), and Kansas State University-Pittsburgh (MS in Trade and Technical Association and Educational Specialist-in Vocational Technical Education) John retired as an Associate Dean and Instructor for East Central College in Union, MO, but also was a full-time farmer.  He was a hard worker, loved the outdoors, enjoyed hunting and visiting with all his family and friends.  John was a member of the New Life Church in Washington, MO and attended church regularly when he was able. He was also a member of the following:  Missouri State Teachers Association, Missouri Vocational Association, Missouri Trade and Technical Association, Phi Delta Kappa, FFA Advisory Board, Washington Town and Country Fair Board, (Agriland was his passion), and a 25 year member of the Marthasville Volunteer Fire Department.  John will be missed by everyone who knew him.

John is survived by his wife, Marie Bracht Spires of Hermann, MO; two children: Cherie Monzyk and husband, Matt, of New Haven, MO; and John Douglas Spires and wife, Vicky, of Warrenton, MO; grandchildren: Catie Monzyk, Courtney (Whitney) Smith, Christina (Josh) Hanes, Kyle Monzyk, Brooke (Trevor) Herod, Drew Spires, and Cameron (Taylor) Spires; and great-grandchildren: Aria Hanes and Archer Herod.  Also surviving is his brother, James Spires and wife, Linda, of Wright City, MO; sister, Lillian Davidson of Middletown, MO; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: James Glenn of Alexandria, VA; Mary Bracht of Warrenton, MO; Debra Raines of Columbia, MO; Donald Bracht and wife, Anita, of Tipton, MO; and Ronald Bracht and wife, Cindy, of Mexico, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Thornton and Leona Marie Sheppmann Spires; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law: Herbert and Wilena Bracht; step-mother-in-law, Evelyn Bracht; sister-in-law, Angelina Glenn and Brothers-in-law, Tom Davidson, Herbert Bracht Jr, and Carroll Raines.

John donated his body to science for Parkinson's research and there was a Celebration of Life held Sept 22.

He was a loving husband and father.  John was a dedicated farmer and educator.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, New Life Church Washington, or St Paul's UCC Marthasville; c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO   63361.