John Wayne Spires
John Wayne Spires, 77, of West Union, Ohio died peacefully at home 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 Fraternal Order of 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 Masonic Rites will be performed by F. & A.M. Rome Lodge #535 of Stout, Ohio
The Military Service will be performed by the Adams County Honor Guard.
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.
Condolences
Angie Bothman - Dec 30, 2024
Thoughts and prayers for Dawnita and J.w,’s family.
Tammie - Dec 29, 2024
My Uncle John Wayne You saved my life when I was 2 years old. I will never forgot that. You have always been my Hero. I love you and I will always miss you. Fly High. In Heaven .
Ellen and Bob Kanerva - Dec 23, 2024
So very sorry for your loss, but I’m grateful for the time you did have together.
clyta carter - Dec 19, 2024
Sorry for your loss
Anita Smothers - Dec 18, 2024
My Deepest Condolences to his wife & Spires children & grandchildren. I met John Wayne years ago & every time I ever ran into after that he always made sure to stop & talk to me. He was a good man & friend. He will be missed by many.
Ron & Donna Fiste - Dec 17, 2024
Dawnita, and The Family, Ron and I are Heartbroken from the loss of John Wayne. We have lost a dear Friend. Please know that you all will be in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. John Wayne you've gone to be the best Boat Captain that God will ever need. You run a tight ship until we meet again OL Buddy. God Bless this Family!!! (Toolmaker) Ron & Donna Fiste
Tracy Rayborn - Dec 16, 2024
Rest in peace John Wayne. You always brought a smile to the people around you.
Rose Hack - Dec 16, 2024
My deepest condolences to Dawnita and John Wayne's family. He will be greatly missed. Thank you for your service to our country....Rest in Peace, John Wayne 💗
Elaine Lafferty - Dec 14, 2024
Sending sincere sympathy to all of John Wayne's family and friends. He lived a good and interesting life!!