John (Red) E. Weatherspoon, 92, passed away April 12, 2024 at the Neighborhood Nursing Home after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, at St. Brendan Catholic Church with burial following in St Brendan Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 - 7 p.m. on Friday, April 19 at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico with a Rosary to be recited at 7 p.m.
John was born June 23, 1931, to Estell and Corine Weatherspoon in Monroe County, Missouri. He grew up working on the farm where he learned the value of hard work, dedication and a conservative lifestyle.
On July 22, 1950, he married Maxine Dodd at the Church of Resurrection in Wellsville. They later moved to Mexico, MO and started their family. John worked for MO Power and Light, which later became Ameren UE, for 43 years starting out as a lineman working his way up to construction supervisor.
He enjoyed taking care of his family and his rental properties with his wife. He also enjoyed working on his farm, running heavy equipment and hunting. He was a long-standing member of the Knights of Columbus. He was the Scoutmaster for Troop 35 (St. Brendan) for many years where he contributed countless hours working with the scouts teaching them life skills. He made such an impression on everyone he came in contact with, leaving an enduring legacy.
Survivors are his children Terry (Linda) Weatherspoon of Wentzville, Mitzi (Jim) Vannoy of Nixa, Kevin (Rhonda) Weatherspoon of Hallsville, and Lynda (Karl) Ryker of Norcross GA. His grandchildren are Katie Greufe, Rebekah McMullen, Ray Vannoy, Justin Weatherspoon, Amanda Johnson, Jenny Jones, KaLynn O'Shea, Kara Ryker, Kyle Ryker and 18 great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his wife Maxine of 66 years, his parents and one grandson, Todd Estell Weatherspoon.
In lieu of flowers, John's family requests donations be made to the St. Brendan Catholic Church.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to The Neighborhood Nursing Facility for their wonderful care, and a special thanks to Leslie Prosser FNP-C, of Columbia Nephrology and Hypertension, whom he referred to as his “angel".
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
