John Wayne Spires
John Wayne Spires, 77, of West Union, Ohio died peacefully on December 9, 2024. He was born February 28, 1947 in Portsmouth. He was preceded by parents: John C. Spires and Jessie Hazel (Coldiron) Spires; two brothers: Samuel Delphon Spires and Jimmy Dale Spires; first wife, Donna Sue (Lane) Spires and daughter, Elizabeth Samone Streetman.
John Wayne is survived by spouse Dawnita (Adams) Spires; son, John Wayne Spires II; daughter, Schannan (Brian) Watson; stepson, Charles Russell Johnson; seven grandchildren: Robert (Haley) Dryden, Ryan (Adison) Dryden, Kali (Riley) Saelens, Billly and Jessie Streetman and Hunter and Taylor Johnson; three great grandchildren: Mia and Brooks Saelens and Reese Dryden.
John Wayne was a retired riverboat captain for 48 years on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. He was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam Era (two tours) and received a Purple Heart Award. John Wayne was a lifetime member of the V.F.W.; a member of the Eagles in Maysville, Kentucky; and a member of the F.A. & M. Rome Lodge #535 in Stout.
The Visitation is 11 AM until 1 PM Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Lafferty Funeral Home in West Union.
The Memorial Service is 1 PM Sunday, December 29,2024 at Lafferty Funeral Home in West Union. Pastor John Greenlee will officiate.
The Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Friends and family can sign condolences at www.LaffertyFuneralHome.com
Lafferty Funeral Home Incorporated serves the family.