Emil Spezia

Emil Spezia, 96, of Westville, passed away on November 25, 2015 at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville. He was born on August 5, 1919 in Westville, the son of John and Coltilde (Orlea) Spezia. He married Juanita L. Jenkins on August 30, 1941 in Hannibal, MO and she passed on August 30, 2001, their 60th wedding anniversary. Emil will be deeply missed by his daughter Cody Watson of Orange Lake, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son-Eric Emil, brothers- Camille and Ernest Spezia and sisters, Julena and Pearl Spezia. Emil graduated from Westville High School in 1933 then attended Eastern Illinois University, graduating in 1941. He went on to receive his Master's Degree from the University of Illinois in 1953. Between his degrees' Emil served in the United States Army Air Force from 1944-1946 serving in China, India, and Burma Theatre. He was in the 51st fighter group and witnessed the first truck convoy from Beijing to Shanghai. After the service he stayed on with the Department of Defense as a USAF Training Commander and the United States Army Board for Aviation Safety as Chief of Research and Analysis. Emil even worked at Lockheed Missile and Space from 1958-1960 during the time of "Sputnik". He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Westville and loved his family very much. Per Emil's wishes services will be private and he will be laid to rest with his wife and son at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, IL. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville are in charge of arrangements. Please join Emil's family in sharing photos and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com