John Richard Spiller

John Richard Spiller, 79, of Elkville, passed away at 4:02 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Regional Health Center at Mt. Vernon, Ill.

John had graduated high school in Elkville, after which he played ball in the minor leagues for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed at Ft. Carson. After coming home from the service, he worked for a while in the coal mines. He finished school and graduated from Southern Illinois University. He obtained a job teaching at Murphysboro Township High School in the fall of 1964. He had taught at Murphysboro and retired after 30 years. He also did substitute teaching until the illness of his mother and son in 2010. He loved his work, the people he worked with and his students. He played hard pitch softball for 27 years with the Martin Oilers and with Ike Honda. He was inducted into the Illinois ASA Hall of Fame in 2005. He attended Knoff Bend Pentecostal Church and was baptized by Bro. Merle Macke. He loved reading his Bible and other books by Spurgeon and Matthew Henry. He taught some Bible lessons on Wednesdays, occasionally.

He was born on Oct. 15, 1934 at Hallidayboro, Ill., the son of John Wesley and Pauline (VanZandt) Spiller.

He married Florence (Cox) Bush on Feb. 19, 1964 in Murphysboro and she survives. He helped raise her children by a previous marriage and was the only father they really knew.

He is survived by his wife of Elkville, one daughter - Pamela Groves and husband Leroy of Carterville, two granddaughters - Mona Martin and husband Matthew of Elkville and Michelle Maas and husband Brandon of Royalton, one sister - Janet Hamai and husband Ken of Florissant, Mo., four nephews - Kenny Hamai and wife Jane, Richard Hamai and wife Annette, John Hamai and wife Christi and Scott Hamai, several great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son - Marchell Rand Bush.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2014 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Bro. Merle Macke and Bro. Jim Penson officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the Murdale Gardens of Memory at Murphysboro, Ill.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.