John Mark Spurgeon
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John M. Spurgeon, 75, of Lawrence, KS, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at his home after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
A visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 West 13th Street, in Lawrence, KS. A Memorial Mass will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy, in Lawrence, KS.
John was born on August 25, 1949, in Wichita, KS, the son of John and Eloise (Dunphy) Spurgeon.
He is survived by his wife, Karla. They were married in Tescott, KS on July 28, 1979, and celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this year. Together, they enjoyed spending time with friends, walking at favorite spots around Lawrence, and traveling. A favorite memory is a trip to Europe with their kids in 2006.
Other survivors include his children, Marika (Adam) Taylor, Brenna (Patrick) Bliven, Patrick Spurgeon, brothers, Dave and Tom Spurgeon, sister, Susan (Steve) Guest, four grandchildren, Ainsley, Harvey, Finley, and Archer, mother and father-in-law, Hal and Eleanor Berkley, sister-in law, Karen (Scott) Deckert, brothers-in-law Jeff (Denise) Berkley and Calvin (Tina) Berkley, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
John grew up in Wichita, KS, and he took his role as the oldest of four kids seriously. They enjoyed vacations as a family, and he was active in Scouts. He graduated from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita, KS. John joined the Army in 1970 and served in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1973 and worked for the post office until enrolling at the University of Kansas and earning a Bachelor’s in Business. After their wedding, John joined Karla living in the Netherlands, and they lived together in the Hague until moving back to Kansas in 1981. He earned his MBA from KU upon his return, and then began his career as a budget analyst for the State of Kansas. He also worked as a management analyst for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He worked for most of his career at Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks in the finance and IT departments, retiring as Budget Director in 2011. After retirement, he worked part-time for another state agency and volunteered in the cancer center at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and at Corpus Christi Church, where he was a long-term member.
John was a dedicated and supportive dad to his three kids, helping with homework; reading bedtime stories; attending every game and performance; calmly enduring driving lessons; coaching their youth sports teams; traveling for college visits and sports meets; helping them move countless times; and coming to visit no matter where they lived, from Minnesota to Portugal.
He loved being a Papa to his four grandkids. Right from the start he spent hours rocking and carrying them, and as they got older, spent time doing puzzles, playing games, reading books, playing Archie tag, and playing outside.
John lived a full life enjoying hunting, fishing, snow skiing, golf, reading science fiction, and travel. He visited over 20 National Parks, almost all 50 states, many countries of Europe, and Machu Picchu in Peru, a long-time goal. He planned incredible family road trips, spending weeks each summer driving his family to new parts of the country and recording it all on a camcorder.
John will be remembered for his zest for life, sense of humor, adventurous spirit, optimism, caring nature, and love of his family.
John was preceded in death by his mother and father.
If you wish, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to LMH Health Cancer Center or to the National Parks Conservation Association or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
To best honor and remember John, take time to visit a State park or National Park.
Fairways & Greens forever, John.
Our sincerest condolences.
John AKA Spurge was a good man, great friend to many and will definitely be missed by his Monday Nite Golf buddies. R.I.P.
We never got to have that lunch!! Will miss you!!
Will miss you a great cousin. Enjoyed talking to him several summers ago when Jenny and i wete visiting aunt eloise. He was tryong to do facetime and she didn y know how to do it. Was glad we wete there to help her
You will be missed
Don&Jenny Marcotte
John left this world a better place than he found it. I always enjoyed the thoughtful and honest conversations we had either on the golf course or on the way to and from it.
I volunteered with John at LMH , I always looked forward to seeing him walk by on Thursday and give me a big smile and wave hello . Such a nice, kind person . Rest peacefully John .
So sorry that John was called before our family got to know him better. The short time we spent getting to know him was a joy. Will definitely think of him when we visit our National Parks and will donate. So sorry for your loss…
John and I worked together approximately 20 years for the Kansas department of wildlife and parks. I appreciated his commitment to the work we were doing and without his efforts the tasks we were assigned would have been more difficult. He talked often about his family and the importance they had in his life.
I knew John through working for the department of wildlife and parks. His commitment to projects we worked on together was appreciated and without his efforts would have been more difficult to complete. During the time I knew him he talked often about his family and the joy they brought to his life.
Dearest John was always such a blessing! As I am precious Karla’s cousin, his dedication and great love to join her in the Netherlands and so kind and compassionately ever since, always impressed me. He truly left every situation much better than he found it and with the gentlemanly care just pouring from his gentle eyes and warm smile. He will be so very missed by all of us family. Karla, we’re holding you all up in prayer and in our hearts. See you soon.
Dear Karla and family, only had the opportunity of briefly sharing with Mr John when visiting you in Lawrence. His kindness and sweetness was always present. Sending you my warmest hug and much love. He will be greatly missed.
Hugs and prayers to you and your family, Karla. Thinking of you, Verina
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Steve and I are so sad to read of John’s illness and passing. We have such good memories of you all at high school cross country meets. What a wonderful person John was. Our hearts go out to you, Karla and your family.
Dear Karla and family~
I am saddened to learn of John’s passing. He certainly had a zest for life surrounding his deep love for you, Karla, and his children and their families. John showed passion for so many activities that the idea of visiting a state or national park in his honor will be welcomed by many, including me. Sending love and prayers to his entire family.
Karla & Family
Please know that Janet and I are very sorry for your loss. I met John when he came to Prairie Dog (NW KS) numerous times in the course of his duties, and I respected him very much. He was easy to visit with, and did his job well. Sending prayers to your family.
Oh my goodness, I did not know of John’s passing until today. I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with John at KDWP and he taught me to budget in 1997 when Director Hover had to be gone. John was so patient in helping me understand the budget process and would never get tired of helping me. He was a good man. Prayers to all the family.