LAST RITES HELD FOR JOHN SPRING - John Spring, a pioneer resident of the community, died at the home of his son, David, Wednesday, May 19, 1948 following a lingering illness. He had reached the age of 83 years, 10 months, 22 days. Following is the obituary.
John Spring, son of Mr. & Mrs. Frantz Spring, was born in Oberdorf, Russia, June 27, 1864, where he spent his boyhood. In December 1884, he married Marie Grantz and in 1886 they came to America to establish their home and enjoy the blessings of well-lived lives. To this union 10 children were born. Six children remain to grieve his passing. The children are Mrs. Mary Hoffman, Fuita, Colorado; Mrs. Mollie Reed, Medford, Oregon; Mrs. Hannah Weber, Okeene, Oklahoma; Mrs. Pearl Frick, Durham, Kansas; Ben J. Spring, Lodi, California; David A. Spring, Okeene, Oklahoma. He is also survived by a niece, Mrs. Fred Kerbal, Saginaw, Michigan, a nephew, John Spring, Loveland, Colorado; 24 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, many other relatives and friends. Upon coming to America, the family located in Marion, Kansas. They came to Oklahoma in 1899 and settled on a farm south of Okeene. In 1937 they moved to Okeene, where in 1939 his wife died. Mr. Spring continued to live in Okeene until his 1946 when ill health caused him to make his home with his son on a farm near Okeene. Mr. Spring was converted and joined the Church of God in 1889 and was a loyal, useful member until his death. He also enjoyed the sermons from the pastors of the neighboring churches where he attended often. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Mennonite Brethren Church conducted by the pastor, Rev. Williams, assisted by Rev. Eck and Rev. Farar of the Church of God. Burial was in the Peaceful Cemetery. The Howley Funeral Home being in charge. As printed in the "OKEENE RECORD" Thursday, May 27, 1948, Okeene, Blaine County, Oklahoma, 73763, U.S.A.