BUTLER — Lawrence Thomas “Tom” Spohn, 70, formerly of Butler and Fort Meade, Fla., passed away Friday evening, Jan. 9, 2009, in Lexington Court Care Center following a four-month battle with cancer.
He was born Sept. 16, 1938, in Butler, the son of Leroy and Ethel (Berry) Spohn. Tom began his working career as a farmer, working in crops and dairy. Soon, delivering milk opened another opportunity to Tom as a trucker, hauling grain and milk, and spreading lime for neighboring farms. For many years he owned and operated Tom Spohn Trucking, all the while tending to his own farm as well. Tom also worked for the Clear Fork Local School District as a school bus driver.
On May 24, 1984, he married Betty Jean Hamblin who survives.
A lifelong area resident, Tom attended North Liberty United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Presbyterian Church in Fort Meade, Fla., where he and his wife spent the winter months. Later they would make Florida their permanent residence.
Tom loved fishing, and spent much of his retirement time out on the water. But nothing brought him as much joy as spending time with his family.
He is survived by his two daughters and a son-in-law, Toni and Rodney Arnold of Butler, and Tami Spohn of Loudonville; four stepdaughters and their spouses, Dawn and Joseph Porter of Butler, Brenda Wilson of Lexington, Patricia Hamblin of Wooster, and Peggy and Darrel Severns of Danville; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Phyllis and Glenn Johnson of Butler, Jean Nethero-Gaubatz and her husband, Fred, of Bellville, and Pauline Walters-Daum and her husband, Tom, of Mansfield; along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Sondra Jean; and a sister, Myrna Johnson.
Friends may call today from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home. Calling will continue the hour prior to the service on Tuesday at 11 a.m. The Rev. Don Sprague will officiate, and burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions to Hospice of North Central Ohio may be made at the funeral home. Online condolences to the family may be made by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.